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Something has to change with this Utah Jazz team. This team has always been impressive when it comes to the regular season. However, time and time again, they have found incredible ways to disappoint their fans in the playoffs. Whether it's choking a series lead or dropping games to a team worse than them, the Jazz have just not been able to figure out the postseason.
Now, their situation has reached a critical point. Rumors of a souring relationship between Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell have only grown stronger as the 2022 NBA off-season passes. Sooner than later, the Jazz may be forced to part ways with one of them.
It's time to rip the band-aid off for the Jazz. One, or both, of Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert have to go in order for this team to have some semblance of progress. So which one of them has to go?
2 players Jazz must trade in 2022 NBA offseason
Rudy Gobert
Rudy Gobert is the backbone of the Jazz defense, and one of the best rim protectors of the year. Rudy Gobert is the reason why the Jazz collapse in the playoffs every season.
These two statements sum up how divisive the French star has been amongst fans of the game. On one hand, his ability to protect the rim and deter would-be attackers is invaluable to the Jazz. So much so that they have revolved their defensive approach around Gobert's rim protection. There's a reason why he's a multi-time DPOY winner, after all.
However, Gobert is also almost a non-factor on the offensive end of the court. He heavily relies on his guard to create offense for him in the pick-and-roll. When the ball does get to him, the Jazz star has a tendency to fumble the ball or fail to score on a smaller opponent. Because of that, his teammates more often than not don't even glance at him on offense. His defensive reputation also has tanked after numerous playoff runs where he's been exposed.
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A change of scenery would likely benefit both the Jazz and Gobert at this point. Their game-plan of funneling slashers into Gobert has hurt them more than it has helped at this point. If it does come down to it, Rudy Gobert is the most likely player gone from the team in a blockbuster trade.
Donovan Mitchell
That's not to say that Donovan Mitchell is safe from these trade rumors, though. While the electric guard has been absolutely phenomenal for them on the offensive side of the ball, there are a couple of reasons why he could be the one moving out of Utah by the end of the off-season.
For one, Donovan Mitchell could very well fetch a higher price on the trade market. The Jazz star's offensive prowess is a hot commodity amongst many contending teams today. Teams like the Miami Heat or the New York Knicks will likely make a big offer for the star if he becomes available for a trade.
Should the Jazz also choose to focus more on defensive tenacity under their new coach, Mitchell could find himself on the trading block. Spida has notoriously been atrocious when it comes to defense, as he's been unable to keep his man in front of him at all times. That, along with his deteriorating relationship with Gobert, could lead him to be traded eventually.
If the Jazz want to make any meaningful change for the next seasons, they will need to break up the pair that got them there in the first place. Considering their apparent dislike of each other and their lack of chemistry, any further partnership will just hurt them more than it will help them contend for a title.
