Hoops Habit
Fansided

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) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
6 of 6
Next
NBA Trades, Rudy Gobert, Utah Jazz
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH – DECEMBER 20: Rudy Gobert #27 of the Utah Jazz drives into Jalen McDaniels #6 of the Charlotte Hornets in the first half of a game at Vivint Smart Home Arena on December 20, 2021 in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images) /

NBA Trades: 5 suitors for Rudy Gobert and the Utah Jazz – Charlotte Hornets

Lastly, the Charlotte Hornets could come forth as a trade suitor for Rudy Gobert simply due to their long overdue aspirations of fixing its lackluster defense. In the 2021-22 NBA season, the Hornets ranked 25th in opponent points per game, allowing 114.9 points per contest.

Entering this offseason, Charlotte must make it a priority to improve its defense, and pursuing three-time Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert would clearly be an impactful move.

The Hornets have plenty of important business to take care of this summer with hiring a new head coach, re-signing Miles Bridges, and two first-round picks in the upcoming NBA Draft part of the focal points, but enhancing the defensive personnel while building around rising superstar LaMelo Ball needs to be further addressed this summer.

Rudy Gobert’s presence would immediately transform Charlotte’s defense, give them a cornerstone asset to pair with Ball and potentially Bridges, and significantly upgrade the center position. Gobert would be the perfect fit for them if they can match Utah’s asking price in a potential deal.

The Hornets would likely offer Terry Rozier, a mix of draft picks and young players such as PJ Washington, James Bouknight, Kai Jones, or Jalen McDaniels, and could include the $9.0 million expiring contract of Mason Plumlee (partially guaranteed) or Kelly Oubre’s $12.6 million expiring contract as well. Gordon Hayward will be shopped around the league this offseason, but it’s highly unlikely that the Jazz would even consider a reunion with Hayward.

Utah may not be interested enough in Charlotte’s chest of assets to consider trading All-Defensive center Rudy Gobert, but if they can ultimately work something out and if the Jazz eventually decide to offload their All-Star big man, keep an eye on the Hornets as a potential suitor.

Next. 5 upcoming NBA free agents with uncertain contract value. dark

Home/Utah Jazz