NBA Rumors: Early reports indicate that the Utah Jazz intends to retool around Donovan Mitchell after trading Rudy Gobert.
After a tumultuous 2021-22 NBA season, this offseason became a breaking point for the Utah Jazz. Something had to give this offseason and a decision was likely had to be made between Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert.
Said decision has been made.
According to reports, the Jazz has traded Gobert to the Minnesota Timberwolves in exchange for Malik Beasley, Patrick Beverley, Jarred Vanderbilt, Leandro Bolmaro, Walker Kessler, and four first-round picks.
Shortly after the trade was announced, many were quick to point out that this was perhaps the first indication that the Jazz was pivoting to a rebuild. However, that idea was quickly shot down. Instead of starting a full-blown rebuild, the Jazz has plans on retooling around Mitchell.
"[via ESPN]The Jazz have now gathered a total of six first-round picks in a 24-hour span and plan to retool the roster around Donovan Mitchell, Utah’s 25-year-old All-Star guard."
Of course, this is where the questions begin for the Jazz. For one, would Mitchell even want to stick around to a team that will probably not even make the playoffs next season? And two, does Mitchell have enough faith in the organization to build a contender around him?
There’s no guarantee that the answer to either of those questions is yes. And we still don’t know what Mitchell’s reaction will be to the Gobert trade.
At least for now, it seems as if the Jazz is going to move forward with a retooling. And unless Mitchell decides to push an alternative narrative, it seems as if the Jazz are going to be a middling team heading into next season.
The drama seems far from over in Utah. Perhaps it’s just in an intermission?