Trade rumors will consistently surround Utah throughout the summer, especially those centered around their two stars, Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert. It’s no secret that there’s been a “rift” between the two cornerstone pieces over the last few years, which could now ultimately cause the Jazz to choose one of them to build around moving forward.
Utah could certainly maintain both and work to reunite the two stars, although, at this point in time, it seems more on the unlikely side. Whether or not they opt to trade one of them or reshape the supporting cast, effective alterations to the team should be made soon. If the Jazz decide to shop Rudy Gobert, there will surely be a plethora of teams interested in the All-Defensive center.
Rudy Gobert is a six-time All-Defensive player, a three-time All-NBA player, and a three-time All-Star. The 29-year-old big man has won the prestigious Defensive Player of the Year award three times as well and can be considered as one of the best defensive anchors to ever step foot in the league.
Many teams around the league would benefit from having someone like Rudy Gobert’s pedigree at the center position. Although, any team willing to trade for the coveted Frenchman must be prepared to absorb the four years remaining on his five-year, $205.0 million maximum contract.
If the Utah Jazz part ways with Rudy Gobert, let’s examine five potential suitors that could land the stellar defensive anchor this offseason.
Utah Jazz are expected to make significant modifications to the roster this offseason. Heading into the 2022-23 season, changes need to be made if the Jazz are planning to continue their pursuit toward an NBA championship.</p>
<p>Trade rumors will consistently surround Utah throughout the summer, especially those centered around their two stars, Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert. It’s no secret that <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/05/31/nba-trades-rudy-gobert-utah-jazz-2/"https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/29406398/utah-jazz-stars-donovan-mitchell-rudy-gobert-rift-them" target="_blank" rel="noopener">there’s been a “rift” between the two cornerstone pieces</a> over the last few years, which could now ultimately cause the Jazz to choose one of them to build around moving forward.</p>
<p>Utah could certainly maintain both and work to reunite the two stars, although, at this point in time, it seems more on the unlikely side. Whether or not they opt to trade one of them or reshape the supporting cast, effective alterations to the team should be made soon. If the Jazz decide to shop Rudy Gobert, there will surely be a plethora of teams interested in the All-Defensive center.</p>
<h2>As the Utah Jazz prepare to reconstruct the roster this offseason, we look at five potential suitors that could trade for All-Star center Rudy Gobert.</h2>
<p>Rudy Gobert is a six-time All-Defensive player, a three-time All-NBA player, and a three-time All-Star. The 29-year-old big man has won the prestigious Defensive Player of the Year award three times as well and can be considered as one of the best defensive anchors to ever step foot in the league.</p>
<p>Last season, Gobert produced <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/05/31/nba-trades-rudy-gobert-utah-jazz-2/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/g/goberru01.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener" ref="nofollow">averages of 15.6 points, 14.7 rebounds (career-high), and 2.1 blocks</a> per game on 71.3 percent shooting from the field (career-high). As a seven-foot tower, Gobert is an efficient finisher around the rim, solid screener, and forceful rebounder to complement his elite abilities to cleanse the paint and protect the rim defensively.</p>
<p>Many teams around the league would benefit from having someone like Rudy Gobert’s pedigree at the center position. Although, any team willing to trade for the coveted Frenchman must be prepared to absorb the four years remaining on his five-year, $205.0 million maximum contract.</p>
<p>If the Utah Jazz part ways with Rudy Gobert, let’s examine five potential suitors that could land the stellar defensive anchor this offseason.</p>
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<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">TAMPA, FLORIDA – MARCH 19: Fred VanVleet #23 of the Toronto Raptors dribbles the ball as Rudy Gobert #27 of the Utah Jazz defends during the fourth quarter at Amalie Arena on March 19, 2021 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images)</p>
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<h2>NBA Trades: 5 suitors for Rudy Gobert and the Utah Jazz – Toronto Raptors</h2>
<p>Initially, the <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/05/31/nba-trades-rudy-gobert-utah-jazz-2/"https://hoopshabit.com/eastern-conference/toronto-raptors/">Toronto Raptors could emerge as a potential suitor for All-Star center Rudy Gobert. After returning to the playoffs this year before falling short to Philadelphia in six games of a first-round matchup, the Raptors could make an aggressive move to enhance the roster this offseason.</p>
<p>Toronto has an exciting core headlined by All-Star guard Fred VanVleet, All-NBA forward Pascal Siakam, and promising 20-year-old forward Scottie Barnes. Nevertheless, the missing piece for the Raptors has been a reliable center that can be efficient on both ends of the floor.</p>
<p>Current centers on head coach Nick Nurse’s squad include Khem Birch and Precious Achiuwa. The Raptors have reportedly been in the market for an established starting center dating back to 2020, so it wouldn’t be a shock at all to see them pursue Gobert this summer.</p>
<p>In terms of a potential deal, Toronto could entice Utah with a package centered around 24-year-old forward OG Anunoby, 23-year-old guard Gary Trent Jr., and at least one first-round pick. They have the assets and a variety of picks to become a serious suitor for Gobert.</p>
<p>The Toronto Raptors would form one of the most lethal defensive frontcourts in the league and strengthen their shot at another NBA title by acquiring Rudy Gobert from the Jazz. Given the Raptors’ desperate need at center, a stash of assets, and the desire to contend for a championship, trading for Gobert will be a realistic possibility this offseason.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#222423" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/05/31/nba-trades-rudy-gobert-utah-jazz-2/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Suitor #2 </a>
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Phoenix Suns. In what’s going to be an essential summer for the Suns, making an enormous move by landing Gobert would send a shockwave across the entire NBA.</p>
<p>Nonetheless, the only scenario where Phoenix could acquire Gobert from Utah would involve a sign-and-trade deal that sends Deandre Ayton to the Jazz in return. Ayton will be a restricted free agent this offseason, but the Suns have been reluctant to offer him the max contract that he and his representatives have been seeking.</p>
<p>The promising big man will <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/05/31/nba-trades-rudy-gobert-utah-jazz-2/"https://hoopshabit.com/2022/05/22/nba-trades-deandre-ayton-phoenix-suns/">generate heavy interest across the league</a> during free agency, and if the Jazz decide to part ways with Rudy Gobert, replacing him with an efficient 23-year-old center like Deandre Ayton would be an ideal situation.</p>
<p>At the moment, it seems unlikely that the Suns will retain Ayton, especially with the front office not considering him as a “max contract player” and with head coach <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/05/31/nba-trades-rudy-gobert-utah-jazz-2/"https://nba.nbcsports.com/2022/05/24/report-monty-williams-has-complained-about-deandre-ayton-suns-might-not-match-max-offer-sheet/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Monty Williams’ growing frustration with him</a>.</p>
<p>As a result, Phoenix could use Ayton to pry Gobert from the Jazz in a potential deal. The Suns would likely have to include a first-round pick and more as well.</p>
<p>After earning the NBA’s best regular-season record with a 64-win season, upgrading from Deandre Ayton to Rudy Gobert at center and pairing him with superstars Chris Paul and Devin Booker would be a threatening move that would see the Phoenix Suns increase their odds at winning their first title in franchise history.</p>
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Memphis Grizzlies. The Grizzlies had the second-best record in the NBA this season, and after taking Golden State to six games in the second round of the playoffs before being eliminated, this youthful team looks like they’re one major piece away from becoming legit title contenders.</p>
<p>If Memphis can add the best defensive anchor in the league to arguably the best young core in the league that includes Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, and Jaren Jackson Jr., they would greatly improve their shot at a championship for years to come.</p>
<p>Technically, they’re already a title-contending team, but if we’re being honest, they likely won’t get over the hump with this currently constructed roster in a loaded Western Conference.</p>
<p>Rudy Gobert could be the missing piece needed for Memphis to take control of the West. The Grizzlies already have an elite offense, so acquiring Gobert to pair with Jaren Jackson Jr. in the frontcourt would form a lethal defensive duo that would elevate the team to top-tier status on both ends of the court.</p>
<p>In terms of a potential trade, the Grizzlies have plenty of options to offer, including the expiring contracts of Steven Adams ($17.9 million) and Dillon Brooks ($11.4 million), young assets such as Brandon Clarke, De’Anthony Melton, Ziaire Williams, and Xavier Tillman, and still hold all of their first-round picks plus more.</p>
<p>A trade with Memphis revolving around Gobert would allow the Jazz to create much more cap space for the following season and strengthen its foundation for the long-term future while remaining competitive.</p>
<p>Similar to Phoenix, Utah may not be willing to offload Rudy Gobert to a conference competitor, but if the Memphis Grizzlies can blow away the Jazz with a substantial offer, a trade could certainly take place this summer.</p>
<p>Utah and Memphis recently did business with the Mike Conley transaction a few years ago, and now a deal with Gobert as the headline could be a real possibility that would benefit both sides moving forward.</p>
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Brooklyn Nets could stealthily become a trade suitor for Rudy Gobert. Both Brooklyn and Utah are coming off underwhelming seasons and should be open to exploring different avenues in an effort to reach their highest ceiling.</p>
<p>Acquiring Gobert would make sense for the Nets, as their defense has been a common weakness that must be addressed if they’re going to compete for a championship. Brooklyn also seems desperate for a defensive-minded center, since Andre Drummond should not be retained as a free agent and Nic Claxton will enter restricted free agency this summer.</p>
<p>The Nets could attempt to swap Ben Simmons for Gobert even though the All-Star forward still hasn’t played a single game for the franchise since coming over in the blockbuster deal that sent James Harden to the Sixers. Or, Kyrie Irving could be made available, given his uncertain future with the organization.</p>
<p>If the Utah Jazz are interested in one of them, trade talks could escalate with another blockbuster deal looming over the Nets. Brooklyn could be intrigued by the long-term idea of Kevin Durant leading the offense while Rudy Gobert anchors the defense and surrounding them with complementary pieces. It’ll certainly be something to ponder this offseason.</p>
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<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH – DECEMBER 20: Rudy Gobert #27 of the Utah Jazz drives into Jalen McDaniels #6 of the Charlotte Hornets in the first half of a game at Vivint Smart Home Arena on December 20, 2021 in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)</p>
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<h2>NBA Trades: 5 suitors for Rudy Gobert and the Utah Jazz – Charlotte Hornets</h2>
<p>Lastly, the <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/05/31/nba-trades-rudy-gobert-utah-jazz-2/"https://hoopshabit.com/eastern-conference/charlotte-hornets/">Charlotte Hornets could come forth as a trade suitor for Rudy Gobert simply due to their long overdue aspirations of fixing its lackluster defense. In the 2021-22 NBA season, the Hornets ranked 25th in opponent points per game, allowing 114.9 points per contest.</p>
<p>Entering this offseason, Charlotte must make it a priority to improve its defense, and pursuing three-time Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert would clearly be an impactful move.</p>
<p>The Hornets have plenty of important business to take care of this summer with hiring a new head coach, re-signing Miles Bridges, and two first-round picks in the upcoming NBA Draft part of the focal points, but enhancing the defensive personnel while building around rising superstar LaMelo Ball needs to be further addressed this summer.</p>
<p>Rudy Gobert’s presence would immediately transform Charlotte’s defense, give them a cornerstone asset to pair with Ball and potentially Bridges, and significantly upgrade the center position. Gobert would be the perfect fit for them if they can match Utah’s asking price in a potential deal.</p>
<p>The Hornets would likely offer Terry Rozier, a mix of draft picks and young players such as PJ Washington, James Bouknight, Kai Jones, or Jalen McDaniels, and could include the $9.0 million expiring contract of Mason Plumlee (partially guaranteed) or Kelly Oubre’s $12.6 million expiring contract as well. Gordon Hayward will be shopped around the league this offseason, but it’s highly unlikely that the Jazz would even consider a reunion with Hayward.</p>
<p>Utah may not be interested enough in Charlotte’s chest of assets to consider trading All-Defensive center Rudy Gobert, but if they can ultimately work something out and if the Jazz eventually decide to offload their All-Star big man, keep an eye on the Hornets as a potential suitor.</p>
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