5 notable trade targets for Portland Trail Blazers to pair with Damian Lillard

5 noteworthy trade targets for Portland Trail Blazers to pair with Damian Lillard: Rudy Gobert

Rumors have been swirling for months that the Utah Jazz may look to shake up their roster if they suffered another early playoff exit. Well, following a 4-2 first-round defeat to the Dallas Mavericks, that process may be on the horizon.

If that is indeed the case, everyone wants to know where star two-guard Donovan Mitchell will end up, but another player that could become a trade candidate is Rudy Gobert. If the Jazz explore trade options for the three-time All-Star, the Trail Blazers could make sense as a potential destination.

The most obvious reason why the Blazers could kick the tires on Gobert would be to shore up their defensive personnel. Gobert, a three-time Defensive Player of the Year winner, has proven to be one of the best in the business down low, has provided a formidable presence on the defensive side of the ball, and he would immediately improve Portland’s lackluster defense. If a three-time Defensive Player of the Year is available on the market, the Portland Trail Blazers have to be somewhat compelled, one would think.

Though Gobert would help improve Portland’s defense, his hefty contract could make the Blazers hesitant. The 29-year-old just finished the first year of a five-year deal worth $205 million, and that is unquestionably a lot of money.

Portland’s front office would have to piece together quite a package to facilitate a Gobert trade just to match salaries, and that is without considering what the Jazz may even want if he is available.

Still, if Utah is willing to move him and Portland wants to make a significant splash on the trade market to bolster their defense, this could be the move for them. Adding the five-time All-Defensive selection could help the Trail Blazers turn things around.