NBA trade candidates: Rudy Gobert, Utah Jazz
It’s no surprise to see Rudy Gobert on this list, and you could even make the case for him to potentially be moved even without all the COVID-19 side stories that have transpired between him and the Utah Jazz. But those off-the-court issues aside, let’s just focus on why this would make sense from a basketball perspective.
After all, do we really know what’s going on inside that locker room? No, and I don’t want to put words or feelings inside other players’ mouths or hearts. With that said, Gobert is an expiring contract after the 2020-21 season and will likely be in line for a super-max extension from Utah this offseason.
Unless Utah is willing to move forward with Gobert being the highest-paid player on the team, without him being their best player, this could be viewed as a disaster waiting to happen. Gobert is a great center. Even though he lacks a bit on the offensive end, he more than makes up for it on the other end of the floor.
With that said, not many NBA teams (in the modern game) are winning championships with a big man being their highest or even their best player anymore. I expect the Jazz to try and get out of having to pay Gobert huge money.