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

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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Dec 14, 2020; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton (22) defends against Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert (27) during the first half at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russell Isabella-USA TODAY Sports /

NBA Trades: 5 suitors for Rudy Gobert and the Utah Jazz – Phoenix Suns

Perhaps the most dark-horse trade suitor for Rudy Gobert this offseason could be the Phoenix Suns. In what’s going to be an essential summer for the Suns, making an enormous move by landing Gobert would send a shockwave across the entire NBA.

Nonetheless, the only scenario where Phoenix could acquire Gobert from Utah would involve a sign-and-trade deal that sends Deandre Ayton to the Jazz in return. Ayton will be a restricted free agent this offseason, but the Suns have been reluctant to offer him the max contract that he and his representatives have been seeking.

The promising big man will generate heavy interest across the league during free agency, and if the Jazz decide to part ways with Rudy Gobert, replacing him with an efficient 23-year-old center like Deandre Ayton would be an ideal situation.

At the moment, it seems unlikely that the Suns will retain Ayton, especially with the front office not considering him as a “max contract player” and with head coach Monty Williams’ growing frustration with him.

As a result, Phoenix could use Ayton to pry Gobert from the Jazz in a potential deal. The Suns would likely have to include a first-round pick and more as well.

After earning the NBA’s best regular-season record with a 64-win season, upgrading from Deandre Ayton to Rudy Gobert at center and pairing him with superstars Chris Paul and Devin Booker would be a threatening move that would see the Phoenix Suns increase their odds at winning their first title in franchise history.

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