Five minutes was all it took for Minnesota Timberwolves owners Alex Rodriguez and Marc Lore to approve the trade proposal involving Rudy Gobert three years ago. When Tim Connelly, the team’s president of basketball operations, presented the deal, there was no hesitation, lengthy discussions, or elaborate presentations. The quick decision reflected their urgent desire to reshape the franchise’s future swiftly.
Typically, NBA trades demand extensive deliberation, multiple meetings, and detailed scrutiny from front offices. Yet, Rodriguez and Lore’s response stood apart from the norm, driven by unwavering trust in Connelly’s judgment. This confidence allowed them to act decisively almost immediately after the proposal was introduced.
Even Rudy Gobert, right? Five minutes we made that decision after negotiation with that deal after Tim brought it up to us,
one of the owners explained during the interview. —Alex Rodriguez, Timberwolves Owner
Assets Given Up to Acquire Rudy Gobert
The Timberwolves parted with a substantial package to land Gobert, leading many analysts to initially see the deal as a significant overpayment. Minnesota traded away key players Patrick Beverley, Malik Beasley, Jarred Vanderbilt, and Leandro Bolmaro, which reduced the team’s depth and versatility.
In addition to these players, the financial demands were steep. Utah Jazz received the draft rights to Walker Kessler, four first-round draft picks, and a 2026 first-round pick swap. This accumulation of future assets made the trade one of the most expensive in recent NBA memory.
At the time of the deal, critics questioned whether expecting one player to justify such a heavy price risked mortgaging the franchise’s future. However, the Timberwolves owners believed Gobert was crucial to altering the team’s trajectory, seeing him as a necessary cornerstone to build upon.
The Trade’s Measurable Impact on Minnesota’s Progress
Since finalizing the trade, the Timberwolves have made significant strides, reaching the Western Conference Finals in consecutive seasons—an achievement they hadn’t experienced in decades. While the NBA championship remains elusive, these playoff runs mark clear progress for Minnesota.
Gobert has become the defensive cornerstone, tasked with protecting the rim and guarding elite opposing centers during important playoff games. His ability to disrupt shots and anchor the paint has solidified Minnesota’s defense, addressing longstanding weaknesses in their lineup.
The Timberwolves’ willingness to bypass prolonged indecision appears to have yielded rewards. As the owners noted in their conversation, overanalyzing moves can cause missed chances. Trusting Connelly’s assessment enabled a swift acquisition that has boosted the team’s ceiling considerably.
The question of whether this trade will lead to a championship still lingers. Yet, the immediate boost to Minnesota’s competitiveness suggests that the 5-minute decision by Rodriguez and Lore could be a defining moment in the franchise’s history, pushing the Timberwolves into contention within the Western Conference.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Who is the mother of Rudy Gobert’s baby?
A. Rudy Gobert and Julia Bonilla are no longer together. In May 2025, Gobert announced on Instagram Stories that they split up while she is expecting their second child.
Q. Who is Rudy Gobert’s baby momma?
A. Rudy Gobert ended his relationship with Julia Bonilla, who is expecting his child, in May 2025. Julia Bonilla is the former partner of Rudy Gobert, a player for the Minnesota Timberwolves. The breakup occurred in May 2025, with Gobert announcing on Instagram that Bonilla is pregnant with their second child.
Q. Is Rudy Gobert good?
A. Gobert has earned the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award four times, matching the record held by Dikembe Mutombo and Ben Wallace. He has also been part of the All-NBA Team four times. Additionally, he has made it to the All-Defensive First Team seven times and participated as an NBA All-Star three times.