Why The Utah Jazz Do The Deal

In 2021-22, the Utah Jazz featured Rudy Gobert’s elite rim protection. Unfortunaely, their perimeter defense was so flimsy that even Gobert couldn’t entirely cover for it.

Royce O’Neale was the only positive in that regard for this team, but at 6’5, he was still limited. Otherwise, the Jazz were populated with known defensive minuses at the wing and guard positions.

This deal remedies that. Both Ball and Williams are exceptional in terms of point prevention. It also makes them younger. The Jazz will be hoping that isn’t a factor, and it may not be. If these pieces click in Salt Lake City, they could give themselves an opportunity to hang onto Mitchell long-term.

With that said, if Mitchell eventually wants out anyway, Ball and Williams put the organization a step ahead in a potential rebuild. Meanwhile, Nikola Vucevic can add a boost on offense now.

LATEST NBA NEWS AND TRADE RUMORS: Utah Jazz Still Engaging In Rudy Gobert Trade Talks, Chicago Bulls Linked?

Would the Bulls really part with two quality young players to add Gobert?