It's back to the drawing board for the Donovan Mitchell, Rudy Gobert Utah Jazz. Losing to the Dallas Mavericks in the first round of the NBA playoffs when Luka Doncic only played half of the series is a new low. Change is needed, and it should start with the man in the middle.
You don't need complex stats to see that Gobert has been a liability in the NBA playoffs. His offense, which already lacks, is extremely damaging to the Jazz in the halfcourt. Defense, his calling card is no longer effective when teams spread the floor against the Jazz. His inability to be a stopper on the ball confines him to the corner, where he doesn't have a major impact. He is either running to contest a close shot or a corner three.
Utah signed Gobert to a $205 million contract extension. He will be on the books until the 2025-26 season and be paid between $35 million and $46 million each season until then. Although Gobert wishes to finish out that contract — and the rest of his career — with the Jazz, they need to shake it up.
There are a few teams that Rudy Gobert makes sense for. He could raise their defense and help them get into a more favorable spot in the regular season.
3 best trade destinations for Jazz star Rudy Gobert after playoff disappointment
The Wizards want to build around Bradley Beal and get back into playoff contention. With the assets they have to work with, they may not be able to make a massive trade that instantly makes them among the best teams. They will have to start building up from where they are and the Jazz could aid them.
Washington could use Kristaps Porzingis in a trade. Utah would take the risk on his injury history but his shooting is intriguing alongside Mitchell. He could be used as a lob and perimeter shooting threat and is younger than Gobert.
The Wizards would add a more reliable player and one that could help them improve their defense, which has ranked 25th or worst in the league in defensive rating only once in the past four seasons. Although the Wizards would need to add more offensive firepower, getting Gobert should help them improve and become a more balanced team.
Firing head coach James Borrego shows that the Hornets are serious about trying to win. Acquiring a decorated All-Star would be a sign that they are looking to do so now. They most need to improve on the defensive side of the ball and getting Gobert would be a big step in the right direction.
As long as the Hornets have LaMelo Ball, Miles Bridges and some of their key shooters, they can overcome Gobert's offensive liabilities. In fact, Gobert's length could make him an improved lob threat over Mason Plumlee, who started for them this season. Charlotte has some young players that they could offer Utah, who could undergo a soft reset under Mitchell.
Although the Hornets would still have to prove they can thrive in big games, Gobert would give them a strong presence in the middle that could help solidify the core they have.
The Trail Blazers aren't ready to give up on a Damian Lillard-led team. They will be looking to add more talent around him and might have trouble finding the right piece. They have the potential to create nearly $50 million in cap space, which could fit Gobert's contract and have plenty of room left over.
With Lillard coming back and Anfernee Simons becoming a real go-to scorer, the Trail Blazers will need defense. Gobert, at least in the regular season, can be their defensive anchor. Portland, if they look to start Josh Hart alongside Lillard and Simons, will have to find a big forward to fill out the rest of the starting lineup.
A trio of Lillard, Simons and Gobert could help Portland regain its spot in the Western Conference playoff picture.
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