Shaquille O’Neal has never been one to hold back, especially when it comes to throwing shade at Rudy Gobert. Their feud kicked off when Shaq openly criticized the Frenchman’s hefty contract, claiming Gobert wasn’t living up to his $250 million deal. “If you sign a contract for ($)250 (million), show me 250,” Shaq bluntly stated. And now, with Gobert signing a new $110 million extension with the Minnesota Timberwolves, Shaq isn’t the only one with an opinion. This time, Dwight Howard, one of Shaq’s longtime enemies, has entered the conversation; but with a motive for himself.

On the Gil’s Arena podcast, Howard didn’t hold back when reacting to Gobert’s new deal. “He got three more years? 110.” Arenas said in surprise. As someone who has been looking to get back to the league; having vouched for a few teams to consider, Howard did not miss a chance to place his offer on a number he doesn’t exactly agree suits Gobert.

“Minnesota, y’all could have gave me 10 mil. What? They couldn’t have gave me 10 mil for the rest of the season,” Howard quipped.

The 2020 champion last suited up in the NBA in 2022. The free agency that followed next, wasn’t a pretty sight. “I was fed up with all the crap and the lies,” Howard had previously shared, revealing how nearly two decades of sacrifices and dedication to maintaining his fitness weren’t enough. But he has turned to making light-hearted comments about it now. “I was just in New York & I kept hearing the Knicks need a backup,” he had penned after the New York Knicks signed Karl Antony Towns.

So this was just another opportunity for Howard to make his interest known. Or was it?

While he insisted, “I don’t have nothing against Rudy,” it’s clear Howard isn’t all in on the offer the star centre is being offered. After all, on another episode of Gil’s Arena, Howard had doubled down, criticizing Gobert’s three Defensive Player of the Year awards.

“I don’t think he deserved those Defensive Player of the Years like he got them,” Howard said. “I feel like he’s a great team defender, but for what he did to get those Defensive Player of the Years, I don’t see it.”

A three-time DPOY himself – 2018, 2019, and 2021 – Howard would know a thing or two about the accolade. So while he criticized Gobert, he also ensured to make note when the Wolves star played true to the  title. “This year, he was actually up in the pick and rolls… He was being aggressive,” he had said.

So it’s clear Howard isn’t a big fan of Gobert; one thing he almost aligns on with his long-standing enemy.

Shaq-Gobert feud

Though Shaquille O’Neal has always been vocal about his opinions, he sparked a heated exchange when he called Rudy Gobert one of the worst players ever and criticized his massive NBA earnings. Gobert didn’t stay silent. He fired back, saying, “It’s sad to see someone that has accomplished as much as you did [Shaq] still triggered by another man’s finances and accomplishments… Unlike other folks, you don’t need that stuff to stay relevant.”

However, Gobert’s response didn’t bother Shaq. In fact, he claimed the opposite. “When I put out these challenges, they fail because they respond. They’re sensitive,” Shaq said to Udonis Haslem on his podcast. He added, “I got 15 commercials. What the f*** you talking about?”

It’s also apparent that just like Howard, who supposedly “stole (Shaq’s) superman nickname,” Shaquille O’Neal doesn’t see Gobert as deserving of his accolades. “You the Defensive Player of the Year, but every scouting report I’m looking at, they targeting you,” Shaq said, with Udonis Haslem backing him up.

Shaq further clarified that Gobert’s financial success wasn’t a source of envy. But he did take a jab at Gobert’s accolades. So for Shaq, it’s all about results, not paychecks.