the Utah Jazz have been one of the most successful regular season teams of the last several years. “Regular season” is a key qualifier there, because that success hasn’t translated to the postseason.
As the Jazz have struggled at times this season, many have wondered if it’s time to break up the Donovan Mitchell-Rudy Gobert pairing. If Utah elects to make a trade, it seems more likely to part with its big man than the star guard. There will be plenty of suitors for the three-time Defensive Player of the Year should such a decision be made.
Here’s a crazy stat:
On average, Donovan Mitchell PASSES the ball to Rudy Gobert TWICE a game.
Not assists. passports. He assists Gobert only 0.6 times every game.
The Utah marriage needs to end.
(via @dustinT_nba) pic.twitter.com/Od2j4iDI6j
— ProCity Hoops (@ProCityHoops) April 3, 2022
If the Jazz move on from Gobert, who are some likely suitors?
Dallas Mavericks
Gobert and Luka Doncic would be fantastic compliments to each other. With all due respect to Mitchell, Doncic is much, much better and would give Gobert a perfect lob partner in the pick and roll.
The Mavericks would have “significant interest” in Rudy Gobert if he is made available by Utah.
Gobert would also “love to play with Luka.”
(via @espn_macmahonThe Lowe Post Pod) pic.twitter.com/rZ1SlPp430
— ProCity Hoops (@ProCityHoops) April 1, 2022
With Dallas surging up the Western Conference standings without a true Robin to Doncic’s Batman, they’ll likely be in the market for a star to go alongside their perennial MVP candidate. Gobert would give the Mavericks perhaps the best defense in the league and would immediately make them among the best teams in the conference.
Toronto Raptors
Toronto has a ranging defense but seem one piece away from truly contending for a championship. The Raptors have the best defensive rating in the league over the last two months, and Gobert could push them into “truly terrifying” territory.
Report: Toronto Raptors could show interest in Rudy Gobert https://t.co/wjhOF2qBXx
— NBACentral (@TheNBACentral) April 3, 2022
With Pascal Siakam and Fred VanVleet controlling the offense, Gobert would have plenty of room to operate and focus on his elite defense. Toronto would be one of the best defenses we’ve seen in years with Gobert manning the paint, and you can bet the Raptors will be interested if Utah does make the big man available.
Charlotte Hornets
Just close your eyes and imaging a rolling Gobert slamming home a high-flying lob from LaMelo Ball. It’s pretty, isn’t it?
The Hornets have foundational pieces in Ball and Miles Bridges alongside spark-plug scorers like Terry Rozier, but they lack a true difference-maker down low. Gobert would transform the Hornets’ defense and give them a defensive stalwart to pair with their offensive phenoms.
We’ll keep you updated here at BetSided with all the latest information on any potential Rudy Gobert trade. But keep an eye on Utah Jazz games moving forward. With the Gobert-Mitchell relationship on the rocks, it seems only a matter of time before Utah is forced to make a trade.
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