The landscape of the NBA could change drastically depending on what the Utah Jazz decide to do with their All-Star duo of Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert. It feels like it is time for them to shake the roster up, which could result in one of them being on the move.
While no trade requests have been formally made by either player, Gobert reportedly gave the franchise an ultimatum that it was either him or Mitchell. If there is any truth to that, one of them will be on the move in the coming weeks.
A healthy debate could be had about which player Utah should retain to build around. Mitchell is younger and is closer fitting to the mold of what teams are looking for when attempting to construct a championship roster.
But, there are a lot of positives that Gobert brings to the table as well, being one of the best defensive players in the league.
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Right now, it sounds as if the Jazz are weighing their options when it comes to a Gobert deal. If they do make him available, the Toronto Raptors is one team that could get in on the bidding according to Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report.
“The Jazz are weighing trade possibilities with three-time Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert, who NBA sources have pegged as one of Toronto’s targets to satisfy its appetite for a starting rim-protector. While there’s much debate both around the league and among Utah staffers about whether moving Gobert, the Jazz’s true defensive lynchpin, is the most effective avenue to improving Utah’s issues guarding on the perimeter, Anunoby would clearly pose as a tremendous addition for any team lacking on the wing.”
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The Toronto Raptors are in search of an upgrade at the center position this season and Gobert would certainly fit the bill. Nick Nurse has found some success deploying long, athletic players across the board, but if they want to advance deep into the postseason, they need an anchor in the middle.
As shared, OG Anunoby would likely be part of the deal, helping Utah bolster their perimeter defense. More salary would have to be included, with someone such as Gary Trent Jr. being a fit, monetarily.
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However, that may be too much for Toronto’s liking to offer, as it would drastically decrease their perimeter shooting, losing Anunoby and Trent.
Both players would fit the mold of what Utah is looking for, as they need more versatile wing players that can get stops on defense. Those kinds of players are not easily attainable or cheap, which is why Gobert is being discussed as a possible trade chip to acquire in return.
