A big headline was made back in the NBA off-season of 2022 when the Minnesota Timberwolves traded players to get Rudy Gobert. In addition to those who came forward to share their views on this, Charles Barkley certainly contributed his thoughts. Furthermore, he isn’t entirely happy with the deal that took place back then. In the modern-day NBA, Gobert has already established himself as one of the finest defensive players fans have ever seen.?
His ability to raise the floor defensively is without a doubt one of his greatest strengths. Since getting drafted, there hasn’t been much difference visible to fans, and the current situation seemingly remains the same. Due to his recent performances with the team, Barkley in fact referred to the trade as the “worst in NBA history”.?
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With their current stats, the Timberwolves have a 22-24 record so far this season. Observing this, NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal might be pleased with fans’ gushing over his slamming takedown. Notably, there has been a long-standing feud between Shaq and the former star player of the Utah Jazz.?
When this trade was happening, Shaq came forward and mentioned a lot of his thoughts, which led to a lot of trash talk between them. But after the recent events surrounding the team, it appears that the fans are siding with Shaq and Barkley on this matter.
Charles Barkley reacts angrily to Rudy Gobert’s current performances
Since Gobert joined the team with Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns, many expectations were raised, but things did not go as planned. It has been months since Shaq criticized the trade. In response, his friend Barkley shared his thoughts, pointing out that, ?The [Minnesota] Timberwolves made the worst trade (referring to Rudy Gobert) in NBA history… That was so stupid that trade.”
Charles Barkley calls the Rudy Gobert trade to the Timberwolves the ‘worst trade in NBA history’: https://t.co/48IDChrP6G
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) January 18, 2023
Fans also shared their views, some in support of Barkley, others in criticism of the team. Fans expected him to make some changes, seeing as he is a three-time All-Star, four-time All-NBA player, and six-time All-Defensive team selection.
Here are some of the reactions from NBA Twitter:?
— LEBROUM JAMES (@RoumanteauB) January 18, 2023
10000% agreed! https://t.co/rVVqJtSt1v
— TazMan (Robert) (@TazMancc) January 18, 2023
Another year, another horrible free agency move. Gotta laugh through it all https://t.co/jouHWzkpAl pic.twitter.com/0GTfN7zBDv
— Miles MOErales (@___Optimystic__) January 18, 2023
The whole world knows this https://t.co/sW4bpfrsNI
— GasMark6 (@dontsize) January 19, 2023
It definitely is because as much as they gave up, it didn’t move the needle at all from where they originally were. https://t.co/0LoTYOWmjy
— CornJulio🐺 (@DaaaamnIt_Ray) January 19, 2023
For what they gave up absolutely. https://t.co/d4f444gS4U
— d•フ•尺•フ (@DaedalMensa) January 19, 2023
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Gobert has averaged 13.3 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks so far this season. In light of the trade, NBA fans and former basketball players are not dissatisfied with the fact that they acquired Gobert, but rather with the players they gave up.?
WATCH THIS STORY:?5 times Charles Barkley and Shaquille O?Neal had heated fights on Inside The NBA
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It was this deal that cost them Malik Beasley, Patrick Beverley, Leandro Bolmaro, Walker Kessler, and Jarred Vanderbilt.
In response to Barkley’s thought, what do you think about Rudy Gobert’s trade to the Minnesota Timberwolves? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.?