Following their first-round exits from the NBA postseason, the Atlanta Hawks and Utah Jazz are gearing up for the offseason. Neither team met their expectations this season and are likely to shake things up over the summer.
Now that they’re officially out of the playoffs, all eyes will be on what the Jazz decide to do moving forward. After years of falling short on the biggest stage, they are likely to make some major changes. Most notably, deciding to part ways with one or both of their All-Stars. It’s clear a Donovan Mitchell/Rudy Gobert-led team has a ceiling and splitting the pair up seems like an inevitable outcome.
Since Utah’s elimination, reports have already begun to surface regarding the possible trade market for Gobert. A recent article from The Athletic cited the Hawks as a potential landing spot for the multi-time DPOY winner.
“This seems an odd pairing at first because the Hawks already have a center under contract, Clint Capela. That’s what makes the deal possible, though; a package of Capela and John Collins for Gobert and Gay almost instantly gives Utah some real frontcourt options and allows them to stay competitive in the short term. Atlanta, meanwhile, is desperate to improve defensively after finishing just 26th this past season.”
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Best & Worst Trade Destinations For Jazz Star Rudy Gobert
If the Utah Jazz are looking to remain competitive, this deal makes a lot of sense. Collins could be Mitchell’s new running mate, while Capela mans down the center position. This package would give Utah more than enough size and physicality in the frontcourt behind Mitchell.
With Trae Young being an undersized guard, it’s no surprise the Atlanta Hawks struggled on the defensive end. While Rudy Gobert has his limitations on offense, he can greatly raise a team’s floor with his defense. Given how crafty Young is in the pick-and-roll, he is a point guard who could get the most out of Gobert as a lob threat.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Best & Worst Trade Destinations For Jazz Star Rudy Gobert
It’s rare a trade goes down in the NBA that is a win-win for both sides, but this could be one if the two teams are looking to do business.
