The Utah Jazz have once again seen their season end in NBA postseason disappointment. The team’s Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell core have carried them to perennial regular season success in recent years. Unfortunately, the duo has never put together a deep playoff run. Many are questioning the viability of the Jazz duo moving forward.
Offseason discussions surrounding the Utah Jazz will largely focus on trades for one or both of their stars. One former NBA executive, the Athletic’s John Hollinger, recently named the Charlotte Hornets as a Rudy Gobert trade destination.
“If there is one team that might be tempted to put together a James Harden-type package for Gobert, this is the one. Charlotte badly needs a rim protector and has enough cap flexibility to absorb Gobert’s $170 million salary for the next four years,” Hollinger wrote.
The fit is certainly there – Gobert would be an effective pick-and-roll partner with guard LaMelo Ball on offense. Meanwhile, Gobert’s defensive prowess would bolster a flawed defense that the Atlanta Hawks were able to shred in the 9/10 Play-In.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: This Hornets-Jazz Trade Features Rudy Gobert To Charlotte
A trade suitor would no doubt send significant assets in any Gobert deal. Hollinger goes on to explain what Charlotte could offer.
“Charlotte has the 13th and 15th picks in the 2022 draft and could use that to make a pretty compelling package. Could the Hornets stomach trading Washington and Hayward for Gobert in a package that would include picks No. 13 and 15, two unprotected future firsts they might not touch until 2027 and 2029 and Rudy Gay’s $6 million to clear up some of Utah’s books?” Hollinger wrote.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: This Hornets-Jazz Trade Features Rudy Gobert To Charlotte
It’s unclear what Utah would want in a package for Gobert. It’s also up in the air if they’re even willing to re-acquire Hayward after his departure in 2017.
It is evident that a deal for Rudy Gobert would require a hefty return. The Charlotte Hornets’ collection of assets makes them a viable contender to make a deal. Should they pull the trigger, Gobert could be key in getting the Hornets into the postseason. Reaching the playoffs is a feat that has eluded the franchise since 2016.
