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TRADE SCENARIOS FOR RUDY GOBERT

As everyone knows the Utah Jazz once again came up short in the postseason and once again talks about splitting up the Mitchell-Gobert duo have begun. As of right now nothing has officially has been reported of Utahs plans to split up either, but I am in 'agreeance' with majority of the NBA world with the opinion it is time to make some huge changes, if possible. With Rudy's supermax extension it makes it difficult to trade him, but in the event such happens I have a few options.

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1. MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES

This is by far my favorite idea for Rudy Gobert. Cleveland has Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen. Boston has Al Horford and Rob Williams. New Orleans has Jonas Valanciunas and Jaxon Hayes. With this trade Minnesota could have a front-court tandem of Karl Towns and Rudy Gobert. And with this past season of them trending more in a defensive first position I think something could be done here. With having Patrick Beverly being a great defensive mentor and culture driver in Minnesota, having Rudy manning down the paint would be nice. And per Marc Stein, the Timberwolves will be looking to trade D'Angelo Russel this offseason. Rather the Jazz would be in retool or rebuild mode with whatever picks as well and players could be facilitated. 

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2. WASHINGTON WIZARDS

Another trade target I love for Rudy Gobert. With Washington still having a front-court jam with Thomas Bryant, Daniel Gafford, Kyle Kuzma, Rui Hachimura, and Kristaps Porzingis, sending Kristaps to Utah apart of a package would be interesting. Washington has always lacked a dominant defensive center in the paint. I don't think they've had a defensive center with size since Marcin Gortat. Rudy is a floor raiser, and with this trade Washington could hope to be in a position to be in the postseason and possibly keep Bradley Beal happy. 

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3. PORTLAND TRAILBLAZERS

With Portland projected to have the most cap space this offseason, they could have Rudy as a 4th or 5th option if prior plans do not succeed. Nurkic has a possibility of returning to Portland but he is not an upgrade to Rudy. The Blazers will also have a great draft pick this year and young assets they could use to facilitate a trade. And especially with Damian Lillard being loyal and wanting to compete next season this could be a solid trade to be made.

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4.INDIANA PACERS

A Myles Turner-Rudy Gobert swap would be interesting for both teams.  Obviously more would be involved there on Indiana's side. But with Indiana always just wanting to 'retool' and never fully fully go into a rebuild this is a trade I would not be surprised for them to make. Having a great and dynamic point guard in Haliburton you can bet he is going to get Gobert in great positions on offense. It would not be a win now situation for Gobert obviously but with his contract it is hard for me to gauge his value. Either way I am of the belief Rudy is better than what Utah presented. Utah was a terrible perimeter defense team, which was not Rudy's fault. Get Rudy in any better situation he is going to look more valuable.