NBA – Rudy Gobert, the solution to the Kevin Durant equation? An expert weighs in: “It wouldn’t be bad”

Par Pierre-Andréa Fraile | Journaliste sportif

While Rudy Gobert remains a divisive case in the NBA, including in Minnesota, his name has recently found its way into transfer rumors involving Kevin Durant. And for one well-known American journalist, his move to the Suns could make sense.

If the latest rumours are to be believed, this soap opera will almost certainly come to an end before the Draft. Kevin Durant should win his case and leave the Suns in the next few days. For the time being, however, his destination is still a matter of debate within the league. In fact, no fewer than five franchises are interested in acquiring his services, which promises to make for quite a battle behind the scenes.

Already vocal on the subject recently, Bill Simmons of The Ringer meanwhile reaffirmed his stance in the latest episode of his podcast and still expects the winger-star to join… San Antonio:

Bill Simmons: I still think Durant is gonna end up with the Spurs. Let me throw that out there a second time. I think that’s how it’s going to end.

Rudy Gobert involved in Kevin Durant’s transfer?

Very interested in Durant’s profile, which they would apparently like to combine with Victor Wembanyama, the Spurs have long appeared to be among the main favorites in this dossier. However, the competition they now face is forcing them to be cautious. As a guest on the Bill Simmons Podcast, Zach Lowe revealed which team currently poses the biggest threat to the Texans:

Zach Lowe: It’s clear that the two teams around which there’s the most buzz at the moment are the Spurs and the Wolves.

But then, how could the Timberwolves get their hands on KD? For Simmons, Julius Randle and Naz Reid would have to be an integral part of the negotiations. Lowe, for his part, puts forward another hypothesis:

Zach Lowe: There would be a trade that would work with Gobert. The Wolves could send Rudy Gobert and (Donte) DiVincenzo to Phoenix.

Rather complex to put in place, a Gobert-Durant swap could therefore see the light of day, according to ESPN’s reporter. On paper, this would meet the Suns’ requirements, who would like to acquire a center in the deal. But faced with the skepticism expressed by his colleague, Lowe tried to lend credence to this potential deal:

Zach Lowe: Why would the Suns want Gobert? Because a Gobert-Devin Booker duo wouldn’t be bad. If they want to stay competitive, given that their owner dumped all their draft picks, that would do the trick.

It remains to be seen whether Minnesota might consider giving up its French big man, and in that case offer the starting pivot role to Naz Reid.