Why Utah Jazz Make This Deal
The Utah Jazz has one of the best centers in the NBA in Rudy Gobert. He is a three-time Defensive Player of the Year award recipient and is a foundational building block for the team. However, everyone needs a rest from time to time, and the Jazz could use some help in their frontcourt.
Utah traded away backup center Derrick Favors to the Oklahoma City Thunder this offseason in a salary dump. Hassan Whiteside was signed as his replacement. Udoka Azubuike is also on the roster, but none of them provide the impact that Gasol could.
For everything that Gobert does well defensively, he doesn’t have nearly as much of an impact offensively. He can catch some lobs and provides some putbacks but isn’t someone that creates his own offense. The same goes for Whiteside and Azubuike for the most part.
Gasol would provide the Jazz with someone they can run some offense through, given his playmaking skills. He can also space the floor, making 41 percent of his 3-point attempts last season and 36 percent in his career.
READ MORE: Predictions for Latest NBA Trade Rumors: Simmons, Siakam, Dragic, Lillard
The Spaniard provides some defensive presence as well, giving Utah’s frontcourt a little diversity. There is no harm in Utah bringing Gasol in if the Lakers move on from him, as he would provide some experienced depth to the center spot.
