USA Today via Reuters
Apr 23, 2022; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Utah Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell (45) and center Rudy Gobert (27) celebrate after the game against the Dallas Mavericksin game four of the first round for the 2022 NBA playoffs at Vivint Arena. Utah Jazz won 100-00. Mandatory Credit: Chris Nicoll-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Apr 23, 2022; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Utah Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell (45) and center Rudy Gobert (27) celebrate after the game against the Dallas Mavericksin game four of the first round for the 2022 NBA playoffs at Vivint Arena. Utah Jazz won 100-00. Mandatory Credit: Chris Nicoll-USA TODAY Sports
With the NBA finals over, NBA social media is on the verge of being quite captivating for players and teams. Trending topics are full of trade rumors and free-agent deals. Recently, Timberwolves showed interest in trading for Utah Jazz player Rudy Gobert.
Utah has plateaued in its quest for a championship and is looking for a change. Gobert is a three-time ‘Defensive Player of the Year,’ and any team would love to have him. Utah fans have questioned his productivity in the postseason. They have failed to make a deep playoff run with the All-star duo of Donovan Mitchell and Gobert. ?
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It appears that Mitchell and Gobert don’t see eye to eye anymore and a parting seems to be on the cards. Last season, Gobert averaged 15.6 points, 14.7 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game. Utah is still searching for a new head coach after Quin Snyder stepped down on June 5. The Jazz has reached the playoffs in six consecutive seasons.
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However, they haven’t advanced past the Western Conference semifinals. Gobert has three guaranteed years and a $46.7 million player option for 2025-26 remaining on his contract.?
NBA fans react to Timberwolves’ reported interest in Rudy Gobert
NBA fans were quite opinionated about this trade rumor on Twitter and were full of disappointment. Here are some reactions:
I'm showing interest in not seeing Rudy Gobert play basketball ever again
— Franklin Fuchs (@CSP909) June 22, 2022
D-Lo, Beasley, and Vanderbilt? That’s a lottery team and you’re just begging Mitchell to demand a trade lol
— Jake (@JakeAndBall) June 22, 2022
that’s a horrible fit, literally fits better on any other franchise
— earl (@crackloverrr) June 22, 2022
Once again: don’t matter. Warriors in 6
— Steph’s dungeon (@LockedUpByWiggs) June 22, 2022
https://twitter.com/LeJason23/status/1539448107058008064?s=20&t=ZQ6G3xghMBZAIcs6QfyPaQ
For the love of God no
— youweak (@plznoquestions3) June 22, 2022
Would rather have Clint…
— Perc Moltisanti (@_PercocetPastor) June 22, 2022
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Anthony Edwards and Karl Anthony Towns are viewed as untouchable when deciding what resources the Wolves might move to acquire Gobert. Consequently, D’Angelo Russell and Malik Beasley are the only remaining players that might be a possibility.
Another option for the Wolves is to trade several draft picks for the big man. In addition, for the Utah Jazz, Juancho Hernangomez lies in the Non-Guaranteed area, while Hassan Whiteside and Danuel House are Unrestricted Free agents. And they have no more projected cap space as they operate $28 million over their salary cap.
READ MORE: Rudy Gobert Calls Lakers? LeBron James ?the most criticized player? of his generation
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Moreover, Utah would move on from Mike Conley and upgrade their perimeter defense. Utah has room to create a compatible roster around Donovan Mitchell. Furthermore, they would have to go into the luxury tax to fill all the roster spots.
Is trading Rudy Gobert a good decision for the Utah Jazz? Let us know in the comments.
