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NBA Trades: 3 Rudy Gobert trades for the Utah Jazz this offseason

By Giovanni Torres

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - MARCH 04: Rudy Gobert #27 of the Utah Jazz reacts against the New Orleans Pelicans during a game at the Smoothie King Center on March 04, 2022 in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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 Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - MARCH 04: Rudy Gobert #27 of the Utah Jazz reacts against the New Orleans Pelicans during a game at the Smoothie King Center on March 04, 2022 in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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 Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /
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NBA Trades, Utah Jazz, Rudy Gobert
Feb 15, 2021; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Ben Simmons (25) shoots over Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert (27) in the second quarter at Vivint Smart Home Arena, NBA Trades: 3 Rudy Gobert trades for the Utah Jazz this offseason. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Swinger-USA TODAY Sports /

NBA Trades: 3 Rudy Gobert trades for the Utah Jazz this offseason – Brooklyn Nets

Brooklyn Nets receive: Rudy Gobert, 2023 First-Round Pick (Top-4 Protected)

Utah Jazz receives: Ben Simmons

This trade was first mentioned by Kevin O’Connor from The Ringer, and it could be a win-win for both teams.

Why Nets do it: To solidify their defense. The Nets didn’t get the chance to see their team with Simmons on the court. Many see Simmons and the Nets as a perfect match for each other, with the former operating within a Draymond Green type of role. The truth is, Simmons has been unwilling to play off the ball in the past, referring to himself as a point guard. On the other hand, incorporating Simmons would help the Nets’ porous defense, but never in the manner that Gobert would. Rudy is a defensive system all by himself and can single-handedly make a defense elite, and as we just saw this postseason, and the Nets need all the help they can get on that end.

Why Jazz do it: To have some perimeter defense. Aside from Royce O’Neale, Utah’s perimeter defense has been a turnstile, with Mitchell taking a considerable step back as a defender. Simmons would give the Jazz an elite perimeter defender to put on opposing team ball handlers. Meanwhile, on offense, he could thrive in his preferred role as a ball-handler with the plethora of shooters that the Jazz possess. He would also have the space to attack the rim consistently. Having Simmons as a cornerstone, the Jazz would have another shot at building a contender around Mitchell.

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