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The Toronto Raptors bounced back and regained their place as one of the consistent organizations in the Eastern Conference. Not even squeaking through the play-in tournament last season was an aberration, probably because of a slew of reasons but mainly revolving around not being able to play home games in Canada.
Losing to the Philadelphia 76ers in six games of the first round of the playoffs was still a disappointment for Toronto, especially with some fans even predicting a Raptors upset. Thaddeus Young and Chris Boucher are entering free agency in the offseason, but the main rotation of the Raptors will be retained for the 2022-23 campaign. However, one rumored name who could fit with the Raptors culture and environment is Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert. His name has been circulating in trade talks, so the Raptors may inquire on the French big man.
Raptors perfect trade offer for Jazz star Rudy Gobert
Pascal Siakam for Rudy Gobert
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With Gobert currently having one of the largest contracts, the trading partner of the Jazz will be required to shell out a player with a huge deal as well. For the Raptors, the only plausible option would be swinging a deal in a package around star forward Pascal Siakam. This trade could be executed if the front office is set on having Scottie Barnes and OG Anunoby as the starting wing for the foreseeable future.
Going against Joel Embiid in the first round, it was blatantly obvious that Toronto had trouble throwing him bodies who could contain him. Gobert will answer the call defensively as one of the best rim protectors in NBA History, but losing Siakam opens up more of glaring hole offensively. The length of the contract of Gobert could be questionable as well for some organizations, but if the belief of Toronto is high on Gobert, they may be willing to take in his contract.
The problem with Utah is having dismal perimeter defenders alongside Rudy Gobert, which results to exposing the weaknesses of Gobert in the perimeter and lateral quickness. That would not be the case in Toronto as Gobert will have guys like Barnes, Anunoby, and Fred VanVleet who are phenomenal all-around defenders. Additionally, bigs like Gobert have flourished under the tutelage of coach Nick Nurse as he traded for Marc Gasol in the 2019 trade deadline that catapulted them to the championship.
Gasol is not a high leaper or versatile big, but Nurse knows how to maximize the strengths of a player with a similar style and approach to the game. Furthermore, Toronto had Serge Ibaka on the fold in that iteration as well because he provides a different variety on the four or five position, which is similar to having Barnes, Anunoby, or Precious Achiuwa on the lineup as well.
Rudy Gobert is not a go-to-guy like Siakam, so the surrounding pieces are an integral aspect which must be bolstered heading into next season. The move could also move the needle for Utah, so this ideal move can be a win-win for both organizations and a possible move in the offseason.
