The Utah Jazz are likely heading to the playoffs for the sixth straight season. They will once again be aiming to secure the franchise’s first-ever NBA championship. However, without a very deep playoff run, this could possibly be their last time in the postseason for a while.
It is no secret that if the Jazz don’t make a deep playoff run, either Donovan Mitchell or Rudy Gobert could be on the move this offseason. Both Mitchell and Gobert have had an interesting relationship tracing back to the start of the NBA’s COVID issues.
That has been a stain on their relationship, and it is also no secret that they do not like each other. This is a shame because just last year they finished first in the Western Conference in spite of their differences.
This season is the last chance for the Utah Jazz to win a title
Yes, I know what you’re thinking – why would the Utah Jazz trade one of their two superstars just one season removed from their best season since 1998? It’s because during their current playoff streak they have yet to make it out of the second round.
Yes, even last season the Jazz fell in the second round at the hands of the LA Clippers. It was sort of the passing of the torch because the Clippers were the team to never make it past the second round until they beat the Jazz last season.
It would be different if the Jazz had made a good playoff run before, but they simply have not accomplished that in recent years. So maybe this roster the Jazz have right now won’t ever get them to the promised land. This is why both of their star players have been thrown around in rumors looking ahead to this offseason. The real question is, which star should be on the move?
It would make sense if Gobert is the one who is moved. Gobert, a three-time All-Star and three-time Defensive Player of the Year, would definitely still have lots of value if he were to be traded.
It would also make a lot of sense for the Jazz to build around superstar Donovan Mitchell. The youngster, who is a three-time All-Star at the age of 25, has proven he can lead a franchise. This season he is posting averages of 26.0 points, 4.2 rebounds, 5.2 assists, and 1.5 steals per game. There is one issue with this whole thing, though – does Mitchell even want to be a part of the Jazz?
There have been multiple rumors that Mitchell wants a trade to the New York Knicks, among other teams. If these rumors are true, then the Jazz might be forced to build around Gobert. That’s why it is so important that the Jazz make it out of the second round this season – so they can keep the roster together and build around both of their superstars.
The Jazz control their own destiny regarding how the future of their team will play out. Right now, the Jazz are the 4th seed with a record 45-28. It will be a very interesting offseason for the Jazz if they are an early exit once again.