5 important goals for the Toronto Raptors this offseason

5 important goals for the Toronto Raptors this offseason: 1. Pass on the Rudy Gobert rumors

All indications point towards the Utah Jazz potentially being the biggest sellers of the offseason after years of not seeing its core get over the hill. They’ll likely try to trade either Rudy Gobert or Donovan Mitchell (or both), with the former feeling like a more likely possibility.

Earlier this month, SNY’s Ian Begley reported the Raptors would have a “degree of interest” in Gobert if he becomes available. The Raptors should stay clear of that possibility, though.

It’s not an indictment of the French big man, who is one of the best centers in the NBA. He’s a defensive monster and a walking double-double machine. His lack of a three-point shot hasn’t harmed his value in the way it has other traditional centers.

But the Raptors are a team that values versatility above all. Gobert is one of the best at fulfilling his role as a traditional big man, but that’s all he can really do. His fit in Nick Nurse’s system would be awkward at best.

Additionally, the financials are really difficult to handle. Gobert is owed $169.7 million over the next four years. The only way the Raptors are going to be able to afford him is by trading one of the untouchable core players, which is likely a nonstarter for Ujiri.

At the end of the day, the Raptors were willing to go big on Leonard because the team felt they were close, and he fit into what the franchise was trying to do. Gobert doesn’t rise to that level and doesn’t fit into the team’s positional goals.

There’s a team out there that would be a good fit for Rudy Gobert, both on and off the court, but the Toronto Raptors aren’t that team. They should avoid the temptation of going after him this offseason.