NBA Trade Rumors: According to a recent report, the Utah Jazz is reportedly open to moving Rudy Gobert, not Donovan Mitchell.
After a disappointing showing in the postseason, the Utah Jazz is widely expected to bring about at least some changes this offseason. Of course, what everyone is watching is whether or not that will entail trading one (or both) of Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell.
Either way, it would likely have to take a monstrous offer for any opposing team to land them. For all their criticisms, Gobert and Mitchell are still considered two of the best players at their positions.
Gobert is a year removed from winning the Defensive Player of the Year award and he’s won it three times in the last five years. Mitchell is entering his offensive prime and is just 25 years old.
According to a recent report, though, if the Jazz is going to trade any one of their stars, it’s probably going to be Gobert.
"[via Bleacher Report]The Jazz have been one of the more active teams during early offseason trade conversations in recent weeks, most notably featuring All-Star center and three-time Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert. Utah has not entertained rival teams’ overtures to steal away All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell, sources said, but the Jazz front office has engaged various teams in Gobert discussions."
And that makes a ton of sense. Generally, Utah would rather trade their 29-year-old rather than their 25-year-old. Especially considering that Mitchell is just scratching the surface of the player that he could be.
It would have to take a historic offer for the Jazz to even consider trading Mitchell. Despite his recent criticisms, he’s still a really good player and is just getting better. He has superstar potential that, as good as he is, Gobert simply doesn’t possess.
Utah is expected to be extremely busy this offseason. It would be surprising if they didn’t at the very least make a small move or two. And there’s a good chance they could make a big, bold, franchise-altering one too.