Harden + Irving! The 77ers' trade restrictions lifted! A major NBA event is about to unfold

The Timberwolves won comfortably over the Western Conference's second-worst Kings by 117-103.

Timberwolves' statistics are as follows:

Kings' statistics are as follows:

It is worth mentioning thatGobert exited the game early due to personal reasons...which led to much speculation and stirred up the fans instantly.

Some speculate that the Timberwolves might be planning a major trade involving Gobert for Giannis.

However, others say Gobert left because his child is about to be born, which caused him to “step away mid-game.”

After the game, Timberwolves coach Finch was asked about Gobert’s performance and said, “There will be no special treatment or unique rules for him.”

So far this season, Gobert averages 31.1 minutes per game, scoring 11.5 points, grabbing 10.3 rebounds, and blocking 1.4 shots, with a league-leading 74.5% field goal percentage, but his free throw percentage is only 52%.

A 52% free throw rate is Gobert’s second-lowest in his NBA career, with the lowest being 49.2% during his rookie season.

Gobert’s current contract runs through summer 2028, paying $35 million this season and a combined $74.5 million over the next two seasons, making him an ideal player for the Timberwolves to use in trades for salary matching.

Currently ranked sixth in the West with a 17-9 record, the Timberwolves have several trade targets; their top choice is definitely Giannis. Who wouldn’t want the Greek Freak? His athleticism combined with Edwards could devastate the league.

If acquiring Giannis or other All-Star big men isn’t possible, the Timberwolves will try to pair Edwards with an elite backcourt player, such as Harden or Irving.

According to the rules,starting now, up to 77 players will have their trade restrictions lifted, including Harden, Irving, Ayton, Randle, Turner, and Russellwhich means many players will gradually change teams. Of course, the trade frenzy usually peaks closer to the February deadline next year.

With fierce competition among Western powerhouses and the Timberwolves having fallen short in the Western Conference Finals for two consecutive years, a big trade might be necessary to take the next step toward a championship, or else they risk another fruitless season.