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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
Apr 5, 2022; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert (27) battles for position against Memphis Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr. (13) at Vivint Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Swinger-USA TODAY Sports /

NBA Trades: 5 suitors for Rudy Gobert and the Utah Jazz – Memphis Grizzlies

Another trade suitor for Rudy Gobert this offseason could be the Memphis Grizzlies. The Grizzlies had the second-best record in the NBA this season, and after taking Golden State to six games in the second round of the playoffs before being eliminated, this youthful team looks like they’re one major piece away from becoming legit title contenders.

If Memphis can add the best defensive anchor in the league to arguably the best young core in the league that includes Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, and Jaren Jackson Jr., they would greatly improve their shot at a championship for years to come.

Technically, they’re already a title-contending team, but if we’re being honest, they likely won’t get over the hump with this currently constructed roster in a loaded Western Conference.

Rudy Gobert could be the missing piece needed for Memphis to take control of the West. The Grizzlies already have an elite offense, so acquiring Gobert to pair with Jaren Jackson Jr. in the frontcourt would form a lethal defensive duo that would elevate the team to top-tier status on both ends of the court.

In terms of a potential trade, the Grizzlies have plenty of options to offer, including the expiring contracts of Steven Adams ($17.9 million) and Dillon Brooks ($11.4 million), young assets such as Brandon Clarke, De’Anthony Melton, Ziaire Williams, and Xavier Tillman, and still hold all of their first-round picks plus more.

A trade with Memphis revolving around Gobert would allow the Jazz to create much more cap space for the following season and strengthen its foundation for the long-term future while remaining competitive.

Similar to Phoenix, Utah may not be willing to offload Rudy Gobert to a conference competitor, but if the Memphis Grizzlies can blow away the Jazz with a substantial offer, a trade could certainly take place this summer.

Utah and Memphis recently did business with the Mike Conley transaction a few years ago, and now a deal with Gobert as the headline could be a real possibility that would benefit both sides moving forward.

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