Bulls Rumors: Rudy Gobert Trade, Knicks FA Mitchell Robinson Among Possible Targets

The Chicago Bulls are "a team with interest in" Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert, according to Kevin O'Connor of The Ringer.

O'Connor reported the Bulls will look at several centers this offseason, including free agent Mitchell Robinson.

Gobert could generate a lot of interest if the Jazz decide to part with the three-time Defensive Player of the Year. Bleacher Report's Jake Fischer reported the center was a target for the Toronto Raptors, while O'Connor speculated that the Boston Celtics, Memphis Grizzlies and Phoenix Suns could be landing spots.

Nikola Vucevic has one more year under contract with the Bulls, although he was up and down during his first full season in Chicago. The center averaged 17.6 points and 11.0 rebounds, but the team was 3.7 points per 100 possessions worse with him on the court compared to off it, per Basketball Reference.

Chicago also needs to improve defensively after finishing 23rd in defensive rating last season.

Gobert would be an upgrade on that end of the court after earning first-team All-Defensive honors for the sixth straight year. He averaged 15.6 points, 2.1 blocks and a league-best 14.7 rebounds per game this season.

Despite the success, the Jazz could split up Gobert and Donovan Mitchell after losing in the first round of the playoffs for the third time in four years.

Trading for Gobert would be costly, both in assets and in paying for the final four seasons of his five-year, $205 million contract.

Robinson would be a cheaper option who provides similar attributes, although he's less proven. The center averaged 8.5 points, 8.6 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per game for the New York Knicks in 2021-22 and led the team with 8.5 win shares.

The efficiency on both ends could be what the Bulls need to take the next step toward contention after finishing sixth in the Eastern Conference.