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3 options for Rudy Gobert and the Utah Jazz this summer

By Jack Simone

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - APRIL 28: Rudy Gobert #27 of the Utah Jazz looks on during the second half of Game 6 of the Western Conference First Round Playoffs against the Dallas Mavericks at Vivint Smart Home Arena on April 28, 2022 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - APRIL 28: Rudy Gobert #27 of the Utah Jazz looks on during the second half of Game 6 of the Western Conference First Round Playoffs against the Dallas Mavericks at Vivint Smart Home Arena on April 28, 2022 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images) /
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Utah Jazz, Rudy Gobert
LOS ANGELES, CA – MARCH 29: Rudy Gobert #27 of the Utah Jazz reacts after getting called for a fifth foul against the Los Angeles Clippers during the second half at Crypto.com Arena on March 29, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) /

3 options for Rudy Gobert and the Utah Jazz this summer: Trade Gobert

This option is seeming more likely by the second. As great of a defender as Gobert is, it seems as though the pairing of him and Mitchell has run its course in Utah.

According to Tony Jones of The Athletic (subscription required), Gobert loves Utah. In fact, he wants to stay there, continue to build there, and retire in a Jazz uniform. Unfortunately for the Frenchman, that may not be up to him anymore.

Jones also noted that there are multiple teams around the league who are interested in trading for Gobert. He didn’t name any, but some of the first teams that come to mind include the Charlotte Hornets, Dallas Mavericks, Toronto Raptors, and Portland Trail Blazers.

Charlotte was one of the worst defensive teams in the league this year. And with LaMelo Ball at the helm, putting a dominant defensive center down low could do wonders for them.

For the Mavericks, a similar statement could be made about Luka Doncic. Next to the young point guard, Gobert could thrive, catching easy lobs and anchoring Dallas’ already-great defense.

The Raptors would love to have a defensive anchor to put alongside Fred VanVleet and Pascal Siakam. Gobert’s length fits right in with Toronto, and Nick Nurse would have a field day with him.

That just leaves Portland, who will be searching for a new partner to put alongside Damian Lillard. With their infamously bad defense constantly holding them back, Gobert could give Lillard a real shot to make a run at the playoffs again.

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