Rudy Gobert Trade Rumors: Jazz 'Won't Settle for Anything but a Massive Haul' for C
June 17, 2022
After the Utah Jazz failed to reach the conference finals for the sixth straight season, center Rudy Gobert has found himself among recent trade rumors. However, the three-time Defensive Player of the Year isn't going to come cheap.
The Jazz "won't settle for anything but a massive haul in return" for Gobert, according to ESPN's Tim MacMahon, who added "there's an anticipation around the league" that he will be moved this summer.
Sarah Todd of Deseret News reported last month the Jazz would be more willing to trade Gobert over Mitchell this summer, so it's not a shock to see his name pop up in rumors. However, Todd added Utah would be fine keeping both.
"Reports that the Jazz could be looking to keep Gobert and Mitchell for the year that the team would host the All-Star break should be taken seriously," Todd wrote.
Bleacher Report's Jake Fischer also reported this month that the Jazz would be "very happy" to keep Gobert if they don't receive a trade package that they think is worth it. It comes after he reported in May that "there’s reason to believe the main fixtures in Utah aren’t going anywhere anytime soon."
It's not surprising that the Jazz might be hesitant to move Gobert despite their third first-round exit in the last four seasons. In addition to being a three-time DPoY, he is also a three-time All-Star, six-time All-Defensive First Team selection, and four-time All-NBA selection.
Gobert also had an impressive 2021-22 season, averaging 15.6 points, 14.7 rebounds, 1.1 assists and 2.1 blocks per game while shooting 71.3 percent from the floor. Trading him would be Utah further away from contending for a title, though it's clear something needs to change due to a lack of postseason success.
That said, there will be no shortage of suitors for Gobert this summer. The Atlanta Hawks, Chicago Bulls and Toronto Raptors have been more heavily linked to the veteran thus far. However, it's unclear if those franchises will be willing to meet Utah's hefty package demands.