The Utah Jazz inked Rudy Gobert to a massive extension on Sunday morning, making him the third highest-paid player in the NBA. Following Gobert's extension, Donovan Mitchell gave his reaction to his teammate's deal after both of them had a slight beef last season, per Eric Walden of the Salt Lake Tribune.
Donovan, on Rudy’s extension, and their relationship: “It’s big. I’m excited for him and I told him that. … We’re fine. It’s over. It’s past us. It’s hard to believe it’s still the same year (that everything happened).”
— Eric Walden (@tribjazz) December 20, 2020
Of course, during last season's COVID-19 situation, Gobert was the first known player in the NBA to test positive for the virus. He also played down the virus, causing Mitchell to also test positive for COVID-19, which caused a hiccup in the duo's relationship on the Jazz.
Despite the shaky relationship the duo had earlier this year, Mitchell said that their relationship is much better on and off of the court right now for the Jazz.
Donovan, on his on-court relationship with Rudy: “I think we’re in a good spot on the court. … What you saw in the bubble is just a small step, a small glimpse.”
— Eric Walden (@tribjazz) December 20, 2020
Since the end of last season, talks between the Jazz and Gobert heated up as both sides wanted to get a deal done. However, Mitchell applauded Gobert for working tirelessly during the offseason, regardless of whether or not he knew a contract was going to get finalized.
Donovan: “I applaud Rudy — he showed up every day and you wouldn’t have been able to tell if negotiations were going great or going bad. … He was just the ultimate pro.”
— Eric Walden (@tribjazz) December 20, 2020
The new Jazz contract for Gobert is worth $205 million over five years, making him the richest center in NBA history. Even though there are plenty of people who are skeptical of the contract, Mitchell is happy for his teammate.
Besides Gobert, Mitchell also received a long-term extension in the offseason, netting him $195 million over five years. In light of that, the Jazz now have both of their franchise cornerstones under contract for at least five more years. And while the duo looked to be on shaky ground earlier this year, Mitchell and Gobert seem to be at a much better place right now.