Northwest Notes: Gobert, Reid, Braun, Jokic, Blazers

Rudy Gobert realized that if he had picked up his player option, which would have been worth nearly $47 million this offseason, it would have reduced the player's chances Timberwolves Re-sign key pieces Naz Reid, Nickel Alexander-Walker And Julius Randle. That's why, according to The Athletic's Jon Krawczynski, he sought a “win-win” deal by re-signing the three-year, $110 million contract, which has an annual average value of $36.7 million.

“My contract for next year was really high,said Gobert. “Allowing the team to keep our guys was a win for the Timberwolves. But being able to keep me longer was great for both of us.”

According to Krawczynski, Gobert realizes his best chance at a championship may be to build on what the Wolves built on last year in their trip to the Western Conference Finals. From the sound of it, he wasn't interested in potentially getting out of the previous contract and signing elsewhere to look for rings with another team.

According to Krawczynski, the two teams were actually close to not agreeing on a deal because Gobert was seeking a four-year deal that the Wolves couldn't offer. But just before opening night began, Gobert agreed to the extension after reflecting on his appreciation for the coach Chris FinchRespect for your teammate Anthony Edwards and the fact that he wanted to help his teammates get paid.

“It's never been about money, but at this point in my career it's even more about being where I feel at home and where I can win championships.said Gobert. “These guys, from the players to the coaches to the organization, embraced me and believed in me and gave me the opportunity to be the best version of myself on and off the field and let me grow.”

This is another unique example of how the NBA's strict guidelines for over-aron teams impact decision-making. The Wolves have long been an integral part of the franchise Karl Anthony cities forgoing future salaries, and Gobert's decision to sacrifice short-term money showed that he recognized the need for long-term security and a better chance to win and support his teammates in this new era.

“The fact that he's thinking about the next person is nonsense.Reid said. “TThis is truly selfless. I know a lot of people wouldn't do that, but he would. He's showing it now. I'm happy that he's thinking of me and this team. That means he wants to win.”

We have more from the Northwest Division:

• Reid will continue to come into the spotlight following his successful Sixth Man of the Year campaign last season. In an exclusive conversation with Sportskeeda's longest-serving Mark Medina Timberwolves The player discussed the additional responsibility that will come his way with Towns out of the game. “I feel super comfortable,Reid said. “Me and KAT do a lot of similar things. Since he's here and gone, for me it's the same thing and the same mentality. I kind of see it as the same thing. More minutes. But the same. It's the next man's turn. That's my mentality.“
• Christian Braun's young basketball career was defined by winning. He won three straight state titles in high school and helped Kansas to an NCAA championship in his final college season before helping out in college Nuggets Win the first championship in franchise history in his rookie season. That all led him to potentially starting as Denver's starting shooting guard this season, writes Bennett Durando of the Denver Post. If he starts in the team's opening game Thursday, it would be just his 11th career start.
• Nuggets Superstar Nikola Jokic During preseason he often played in staggered lineups alongside the second unit. One of the most natural fits for a lineup that includes: Russell Westbrook, Julian Strawther, Peyton Watson And Dario SaricAccording to a separate post from Durando, Jokic favors the idea of ​​mixing up the rotations a bit more this season. “I think we should do that in a game just to give the teams a different look.“said Jokic. “I like just playing with someone else. And why not?“
• Trailblazer Head coach Chauncey Billups According to Rose Garden Report's Sean Highkin, he was extremely critical of his team after they lost by 35 points to the Warriors in their season opener. “I don't think any of our players played well in the game.Billups said. “Man, it was crazy. It felt like we were two steps slow in everything. Defensively and offensively we were just waiting to react to everything and you can't do that against a team like that. They beat us in every phase of the game. Every free ball they were the first team there. Going down the floor after makes and misses. They beat us in every single facet of the game.“