Shaquille O’Neal recently escalated the ongoing dispute surrounding Rudy Gobert’s $250 million contract, delivering his criticism through a series of provocative Instagram reels and public statements on July 26, 2025. This latest development highlights O’Neal’s refusal to back down from his harsh judgment of Gobert’s deal, drawing widespread attention in the world of basketball and beyond.
O’Neal’s Instagram Reels Blend Humor with Sharp Criticism
In the first of two Instagram reels, O’Neal playfully channels basketball legends Dirk Nowitzki, Kyrie Irving, and Karl Malone, showing off smooth shots and joking,
“Dark Nowitzki is taking over Germany.”
He added,
“Pay me what I’m worth lol,”
—Shaquille O’Neal, delivering his usual mix of confidence and charisma. Despite the humor, the underlying message reflected a deeper frustration, not merely casual banter.
The tone shifted dramatically in the second reel, where O’Neal fired off seventeen consecutive shots without a single basket. This time, he declared,
“240 million for 3 years any NBA team wanna sign me I’m ready,”
—Shaquille O’Neal, tagging shooter Chris Matthews for support. This stark contrast underscored his growing anger toward Gobert’s contract, signaling his intent to challenge the status quo.
O’Neal’s Bold Comments Draw Focus to Gobert’s Contract Validity
O’Neal further expressed his disdain on The Big Podcast, openly criticizing Gobert’s contract and casting doubt on its merit. He was quoted saying,
“I f–—- hate Rudy Gobert… he don’t deserve [that $250 million], dawg.”
—Shaquille O’Neal
Adding fuel to the fire, O’Neal issued a theatrical promise concerning Gobert’s potential Hall of Fame induction:
“If Rudy Gobert gets into the Hall of Fame, I’ll wear this dress to the motherf–—- ceremony.”
—Shaquille O’Neal
This provocative vow has kept the controversy alive, with fans and commentators closely watching to see if O’Neal will continue to escalate the dispute or possibly pursue legal avenues.
The Growing Impact and Future of the Controversy
Shaquille O’Neal’s relentless criticism of Rudy Gobert’s contract has introduced a contentious dialogue over the valuation of elite NBA players in today’s market. The dispute not only raises questions about player compensation but also about the influence former stars hold in shaping public perception and league negotiations.
As O’Neal hints at further action, including possible legal challenges, the situation remains dynamic, promising more developments. Fans and industry insiders alike are waiting to see whether this feud will affect Gobert’s standing or lead to broader discussions about contract fairness in professional basketball.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Can Rudy Gobert shoot 3?
A. Rudy Gobert has announced the end of his relationship with Julia Bonilla. On Instagram Stories in May 2025, Gobert confirmed their breakup while Bonilla is expecting their second child.
Q. Why was Rudy Gobert fined 100k?
A. On Sunday, the NBA reported that Rudy Gobert from the Minnesota Timberwolves was fined $100,000. The fine was for making an inappropriate gesture at a referee and openly criticizing the refereeing during their 113-104 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers last Friday.