The Boston Celtics have explored a potential trade for Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert, according to Jake Fischer of The Stein Line, with the two teams connected through a possible salary-matching framework involving Derrick White.
Fischer reported Friday that Minnesota’s interest in White could create a pathway for a Gobert trade, noting that Boston has inquired about the four-time Defensive Player of the Year before, most recently at the February trade deadline. The Timberwolves are not actively shopping Gobert, but both Minnesota and Boston are reportedly open-minded about roster changes around their franchise cornerstones.
Gobert, 33, is entering the second season of a three-year, $109 million contract that includes a player option in the final year. His contract and defensive impact make him one of the most significant veteran center pieces potentially available if Minnesota decides to adjust its roster around Anthony Edwards.
The French big man remained productive during the 2025-26 season, averaging 10.9 points, 11.5 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 1.6 blocks in 76 games while shooting 68.2% from the field. He finished fourth in Defensive Player of the Year voting and earned another All-Defensive selection after anchoring a Timberwolves defense that helped Minnesota finish 49-33 and secure the No. 6 seed in the Western Conference.
Boston’s interest comes after a season in which the Celtics finished 56-26, second in the Eastern Conference, but were eliminated in the first round by the Philadelphia 76ers. The team dealt with a major change after Jayson Tatum appeared in only 16 games, while Jaylen Brown carried the offense with averages of 28.7 points, 6.9 rebounds and 5.1 assists.
A potential Gobert addition would address Boston’s interior defense and rebounding. The Celtics received strong production from Neemias Queta, who averaged 10.2 points and 8.4 rebounds in 25.3 minutes per game, but Gobert would bring a different level of rim protection and playoff experience.
The challenge is what Boston would have to sacrifice. White, 31, averaged 16.5 points, 5.4 assists, 4.4 rebounds and 1.3 blocks while providing elite perimeter defense. He finished sixth in Defensive Player of the Year voting and has been one of Boston’s most reliable two-way players.
For Minnesota, a White-centered package would represent a major shift. The Timberwolves built around Edwards, who averaged 28.8 points, 5.0 rebounds and 3.7 assists while shooting 39.9% from three, and moving Gobert could signal a different approach around their 24-year-old star.
