A few weeks after the elimination of the Jazz in the first round of the playoffs, the future of Rudy Gobert in Salt Lake City is still up in the air. And while the rumors continue to flourish, it seems that a trend is emerging in the event of a trade from the tricolor player…
Will Rudy Gobert again wear the Jazz jersey on his shoulders? Nothing is less sure. A big sweep is brewing in Utah, and it is possible that the Frenchman will pay the price so that the franchise focuses on a reconstruction around Donovan Mitchell. In any case, it’s hard to imagine the famous duo not being scattered around like a puzzle in the weeks to come. A big question remains: if the Frenchman were to pack his bags, where would he land?
For several weeks, not to say several months, the great interest aroused by Gobert across the league is beyond doubt. The most insistent rumors evoked an interest from the Warriors or even the Mavericks, in search of a dominant big man to best complete their roster around Luka Doncic. Nevertheless, and to everyone’s surprise, this track took a big cold snap.
Why ? According to Jason Shepherd, who covers the Jazz, the franchise just doesn’t want to send its All-Star big man to a Western contender:
The report of the Mavs not pursuing Gobert probably has more to do with the Jazz not planning to trade him to a WC team. If he’s dealt, it’s going to be East.
— Jason Shepherd (@jsnshep) May 27, 2022
The news that the Mavs aren’t chasing Gobert likely has to do with the Jazz not wanting to trade him to a Western Conference team. If he is transferred, it will be to the East.
Rudy Gobert in the East, yes but where?
By force of circumstances, a trade of the tricolor, if it must take place, would therefore probably relate to a franchise in the East. It remains to be seen which one. Among the 15 possible contenders, the most logical choices and the most mentioned by insiders seem to be those of Toronto and Atlanta.
Despite strong performances from athletic Chris Boucher, the Raptors need more deterrence and power in the paint alongside Pascal Siakam. Their complicated season testifies to a need for renewal, and many journalists have relayed the Canadian team’s interest in Gobert. However, it would be necessary to propose a juicy package, and it is not certain that finding common ground will be easy…
Regarding the Hawks, the idea also seems excellent on paper. At the end of a failed campaign, Trae Young would surely not say no to the arrival of Rudy, who would be a privileged alley-oop partner and who would above all come to solidify a defense which badly needs it. The Georgia franchise also has several young players with potential and draft picks, which could make the Jazz salivate in negotiations. To be continued.
If Rudy Gobert is to leave the Jazz this summer, it would seem to be to join the Western Conference. A real compliment from Utah, who considers that his player is too strong to send him to reinforce a direct competitor.
