GOBERT TO WOLVES IN BLOCKBUSTER
The Jazz agreed to trade Rudy Gobert — a three-time defensive player of the year — to the Timberwolves for a massive package of players and draft picks.
Utah will receive four first-round picks between 2023 and 2029, a first-round pick from this year’s draft in Walker Kessler, along with Patrick Beverley, Malik Beasley and Leandro Bolmaro.
ESPN, which first reported the trade, also said Jarred Vanderbilt was going from Minnesota to Utah as part of the deal for Gobert — who now gets paired alongside another elite big man in Karl-Anthony Towns.
It is a slew of assets for the Jazz, who made the playoffs in each of the last six seasons and now seem to be resetting in multiple ways.
Gobert’s departure ends his pairing with guard Donovan Mitchell in Utah — an oncourt relationship that seemed really good at times and strained at other moments. A series of disappointing playoff exits led to the annual question of whether the two could coexist on a title-contending team.
Gobert now will start alongside Towns, forming what arguably will be the best 1-2 big-man punch in the league. Minnesota, barring other moves, could have a starting lineup of D’Angelo Russell, Anthony Edwards, Jaden McDaniels, Gobert and Towns.
Gobert has four years and $170 million left on a five-year, $205 million deal he signed with the Jazz last summer.
Celtics get Brogdon in trade with Pacers
The Celtics acquired combo guard Malcolm Brogdon from the Pacers for a 2023 first-round pick and five players, including center Daniel Theis and 2021 first-round pick Aaron Nesmith.
Brogdon appears to be a perfect fit in a backcourt that already features Marcus Smart, Jaylen Brown and Derrick White, who played a key role in Boston’s postseason run. The Celtics added a leader who averaged 19.1 points, 5.9 assists and 5.1 rebounds last season.
Brogdon’s biggest problem has been staying healthy. Injuries limited him to just 36 games in 2021-22, and the 29-year-old hasn’t played more than 56 games since joining Indiana in 2019.
In other Celtics news, Danilo Gallinari intends to sign a two-year deal once his waiving by the Spurs is completed.
Other deals
The Hawks are trading Kevin Huerter to the Kings for Justin Holiday, Mo Harkless and a top-14 protected first-round pick in the 2024 draft.
† Center Kevon Looney agreed to stay with the Warriors on a three-year, $25.5 million deal. The Warriors also signed guard Donte DiVincenzo to a two-year, $9.3 million deal.
† Trail Blazers center Jusuf Nurkic agreed to a four-year, $70 million contract extension.
† Knicks center Mitchell Robinson agreed to a four-year, $60 million contract extension.
† The Cavaliers are bringing back Ricky Rubio on a three-year, $18.4 million deal.
Bridges charged with domestic violence
Hornets forward Miles Bridges was charged with felony domestic violence. Mychelle Johnson, the mother of Bridges’ two young children, posted several pictures on Instagram of what appeared to be injuries. ✶