This would be a controversial move at this point in time for any NBA team to make the move to trade for the Utah Jazz center, who also was the first player to test positive for COVID-19, Rudy Gobert. This 7-foot-1 and 245 pound first-time All-Star selection was one of the mainstays for the Jazz as a playoff contender in the West, but seemingly hurt the team’s chemistry with the whole COVID-19 situation, especially with guard Donovan Mitchell.
Nonetheless, if any team can move past that situation, then Gobert is worth going after. After his first career NBA All-Star selection this season, he added to a trophy case which also includes two All-NBA selections, two Defensive Player of the Year Awards, three All-Defensive Team selections, and one blocks title.
What return would the Jazz management be looking for out of a possible Gobert trade package anytime soon?
And who knows if the Jazz management is going to be willing to move him this offseason. It is certainly a possibility if the return is right.
In 62 games played this season, Gobert averaged 15.1 points per game, 13.7 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 2.0 blocks, and 0.8 steals. He shot 69.8 percent from the field and 62.1 percent from the charity stripe. That amounted to him registering a 3.7 box plus/minus rating, 3.1 value over replacement player rating, and .225 win shares per 48 minutes.
The Bulls might have to have other plans for either power forward Lauri Markkanen, center Wendell Carter Jr., or both for the future if they want to trade for Gobert. But landing a star that can help them win now should be the priority if it is at all possible.