The Utah Jazz is reportedly considering the idea of trading big man Rudy Gobert in order to help improve their perimeter defense. A possible destination for him is the Toronto Raptors, who desperately need a rim protector to bolster their frontcourt. The player that could go back to the Jazz in return? OG Anunoby. However, due to Gobert's hefty salary, it may not be that cut and dry.
Via Bleacher Report's Jake Fischer:
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.
To match Gobert's lofty salary, which will range from $38.2 million to $46.7 million between 2022-23 and 2025-26, Toronto would need to add another significant contract to Anunoby's average annual salary of $18 million. Including Trent, another two-way perimeter force, would make the math work, but that cost might be too rich for Toronto brass and would leave the Raptors with little proven shooting. Early word from league personnel has also suggested the Raptors value Siakam more than Gobert.
Giving up Anunoby and Gary Trent Jr just for Gobert seems a bit far-fetched for the Raptors. Sure, the Jazz center is a force to be reckoned with down low, but Toronto would lose two proven shooters who played a key part in their success last season.
Gobert was exposed badly in Utah's first-round exit at the hands of Dallas. They killed the Jazz with triples and continuously forced Gobert to drift out to the perimeter where he has essentially no ability to defend. Despite that, however, the Frenchman is still a defensive stud and one of the best shot-blockers in the Association. Moving on from him might not be the answer.
That being said, if the Jazz could actually get two players like Anunoby and Trent Jr in return, it might be worth it. Given how important both are to the Raptors though, it feels unlikely.
Only time will tell.