The Fleeing Frenchman
To say Rudy Gobert is having a bad series against the Dallas Mavericks is a slight understatement. The man is straight up getting played off the floor. It’s getting harder as the series goes on to justify having him on the court. If the Jazz do get bounced in the first round, change will come. But what will that change look like?
With this post, we will look into the timeline of Gobert being the one on the chopping block. He and Donovan Mitchell seem to not get along, and Mitchell might make it come down to an “it’s either him or me” situation. Let’s see some potential trades for Gobert.
Chicago Bulls
Trading for Rudy Gobert would establish the Bulls as a force to be reckoned with on defense. Their offense has struggled late this season, but mostly because of an injury to Lonzo Ball and DeMar DeRozan getting cold. But excellent defense can both make up for a lack of offense and lead to more offensive opportunities.
For the Jazz, Vucevic brings diversity that Gobert does not have. If things don’t work out, both players are on just one-year deals and would allow the Jazz to have a lot of cap room going into the summer of 2023.
Charlotte Hornets
How about a little reunion with Hayward and Utah? The Hornets might need to throw in another player/pick to pull this off, but here we at least have a foundation to build this trade. I’ve said it before, the Hornets are a big away from making a playoff push. Jazz end with more picks and the return of their prodigal son.
Detriot Pistons
I think the Pistons could pull this off and keep their lottery pick this year. That would be huge for Detriot’s rebuild. I know I have talked negatively of Rudy Gobert most of this post, but he is a Defensive Player of the Year winner and a rebounding machine. His presence could take a lot of stress off of the Pisonts’ young core.
Jazz get a great player in Grant and a serviceable one in Olynyk. Maybe Detriot throws in another protected pick. It all depends on if Detriot believes if such a move drastically moves the needle. As a plus, Grant’s contract is only for a year, which would clear a good amount of cap once again.
San Antonio Spurs
The Spurs have a great core that can get buckets, now go get someone who can anchor the defense. San Antonio even has more picks if that’s what it takes to pull this off. The Spurs just missed the playoffs this season. Gobert would not only get them back to the play-in, but they would also be competing for the 6th seed out West. Especially if Dejounte Murray continues to grow as a future star.
New York Knicks
Of course, I had to include the Knicks. This trade really hinges on Robinson agreeing to a sign-and-trade, or just even straight-up signing with the Jazz. If the latter happens, it probably takes more picks to pull off this trade for New York. Thibs loves defense and Rudy Gobert is a defensive guy. I think the two would be a perfect pair.
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