As part of a recent piece for ESPN, Zach Lowe noted that many league executives believe the Dallas Mavericks could be a trade destination for Utah Jazz big man Rudy Gobert, who is set to earn a hefty pay day.

In theory, this sounds like a decent idea. Pairing Gobert with Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis would give the Mavs a truly formidable frontcourt lineup. Furthermore, The Stifle Tower would be a big plus for Dallas' defense, which could use some help. There is a bit of a problem with this suggestion, however, and it has a lot to do with money.

Via ESPN's Zach Lowe:

Several rival executives have pitched the Mavs as a trade destination for Rudy Gobert, who is eligible for a supermax. I get the thinking — a rim-running center to stabilize Dallas' shaky defense — but I can't get there. Devoting $65 million combined to Gobert and Porzingis when the latter needs to play a good chunk at center is not optimal.

And let's say the Mavs snare Gobert and then need some means of acquiring Antetokounmpo via sign-and-trade. Do the rebuilding Bucks want Gobert? They would almost certainly prefer Porzingis, but that leaves Dallas figuring out how to fit Antetokounmpo and Gobert on offense — or finding a third team for him. (There's also the small matter of whether Dallas has much Utah would want.)

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There is no doubt that Gobert could help solidify the Mavs' defense. Last season, he finished fourth overall in defensive rebounds and sixth in blocked shots. Through 68 games played, he turned in a double-double average (15.1 points and 13.5 rebounds). Still, Dallas would have to consider his paycheck, as well as their plans for the future.

In mid-March, Gobert became the NBA's first confirmed case of COVID-19. His Jazz teammate, Donovan Mitchell, tested positively shortly after. As a result of these positives tests, the NBA decided to postpone the regular season. Thankfully, both players recovered and play eventually resumed.

For now, we'll have to wait and see if the Mavs are indeed looking to acquire Rudy Gobert.