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NBA Trades: 5 potential suitors for Rudy Gobert and the Utah Jazz

By Jake Weinbach

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)
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) /
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NBA Trades, Rudy Gobert, Utah Jazz
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH – JANUARY 19: Rudy Gobert #27 of the Utah Jazz looks on during the second half of a game against the Houston Rockets at Vivint Smart Home Arena on January 19, 2022 in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images) /

Following a disappointing first-round postseason exit, the Utah Jazz are expected to make significant modifications to the roster this offseason. Heading into the 2022-23 season, changes need to be made if the Jazz are planning to continue their pursuit toward an NBA championship.

Trade rumors will consistently surround Utah throughout the summer, especially those centered around their two stars, Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert. It’s no secret that there’s been a “rift” between the two cornerstone pieces over the last few years, which could now ultimately cause the Jazz to choose one of them to build around moving forward.

Utah could certainly maintain both and work to reunite the two stars, although, at this point in time, it seems more on the unlikely side. Whether or not they opt to trade one of them or reshape the supporting cast, effective alterations to the team should be made soon. If the Jazz decide to shop Rudy Gobert, there will surely be a plethora of teams interested in the All-Defensive center.

As the Utah Jazz prepare to reconstruct the roster this offseason, we look at five potential suitors that could trade for All-Star center Rudy Gobert.

Rudy Gobert is a six-time All-Defensive player, a three-time All-NBA player, and a three-time All-Star. The 29-year-old big man has won the prestigious Defensive Player of the Year award three times as well and can be considered as one of the best defensive anchors to ever step foot in the league.

Last season, Gobert produced averages of 15.6 points, 14.7 rebounds (career-high), and 2.1 blocks per game on 71.3 percent shooting from the field (career-high). As a seven-foot tower, Gobert is an efficient finisher around the rim, solid screener, and forceful rebounder to complement his elite abilities to cleanse the paint and protect the rim defensively.

Many teams around the league would benefit from having someone like Rudy Gobert’s pedigree at the center position. Although, any team willing to trade for the coveted Frenchman must be prepared to absorb the four years remaining on his five-year, $205.0 million maximum contract.

If the Utah Jazz part ways with Rudy Gobert, let’s examine five potential suitors that could land the stellar defensive anchor this offseason.

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