Making the Case: Utah Jazz

If the Utah Jazz feel compelled to undergo some changes, there aren’t many ways they can do so in a significant way. The cleanest option would be to part with Rudy Gobert.

Losing the paint presence Gobert provides would undoubtedly be a negative for the Jazz defense. However, opponents have found success going small in the playoffs to negate Gobert’s rim protection impact regardless.

While Nikola Vucevic is a negative defender, he is routinely one of the higher volume catch-and-shoot players in the NBA and would provide Donovan Mitchell with much greater floor spacing. For a team that can already go 4-out, being able to go 5-out would be intriguing.

One of the key differentiating factors when comparing Vucevic and Gobert is the disparity in paint scoring ability. Vucevic can make smaller defenders pay while Gobert is often a liability.

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Chicago Bulls Interested In Trade For Rudy Gobert From Utah Jazz

Mike Conley was bullied by the Dallas Mavericks for being undersized. Adding a big guard like Lonzo Ball would bring a needed change for the Jazz backcourt as they look to build around Donovan Mitchell.