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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Jan 5, 2021; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving (11) drives the basket against Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert (27) during the second half at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports /

NBA Trades: 5 suitors for Rudy Gobert and the Utah Jazz – Brooklyn Nets

Heading into the offseason, the Brooklyn Nets could stealthily become a trade suitor for Rudy Gobert. Both Brooklyn and Utah are coming off underwhelming seasons and should be open to exploring different avenues in an effort to reach their highest ceiling.

Acquiring Gobert would make sense for the Nets, as their defense has been a common weakness that must be addressed if they’re going to compete for a championship. Brooklyn also seems desperate for a defensive-minded center, since Andre Drummond should not be retained as a free agent and Nic Claxton will enter restricted free agency this summer.

The Nets could attempt to swap Ben Simmons for Gobert even though the All-Star forward still hasn’t played a single game for the franchise since coming over in the blockbuster deal that sent James Harden to the Sixers. Or, Kyrie Irving could be made available, given his uncertain future with the organization.

If the Utah Jazz are interested in one of them, trade talks could escalate with another blockbuster deal looming over the Nets. Brooklyn could be intrigued by the long-term idea of Kevin Durant leading the offense while Rudy Gobert anchors the defense and surrounding them with complementary pieces. It’ll certainly be something to ponder this offseason.

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