Rudy Gobert may have an unlikely landing spot if the Utah Jazz combust entirely this offseason.
In an recent episode of “The Lowe Post,” ESPN’s Tim MacMahon reported that the Dallas Mavericks would have significant interest in the three-time Defensive Player of the Year Gobert if Utah makes him available. MacMahon adds that the Jazz could make some “franchise-altering” moves if they lose in the first round this year and that Gobert is interested in playing with Mavs star Luka Doncic.
Granted, Gobert is only in Year 1 of a five-year, $205 million max extension, so Dallas would have a lot of financial maneuvering to do in order to make a run at trading for the star center. They are also a pretty surprising potential destination for Gobert given the way he has beefed with the Mavs this year.
But the Jazz, who are in the fifth year of the Gobert-Donovan Mitchell era, are definitely getting stale. They have not made a single conference finals appearance over that span and are already getting an early start on their collapse this season, having lost five of their last six games. The Mavericks, in need of a difference-maker in the frontcourt after the Kristaps Porzingis trade, will definitely be closely monitoring Gobert (as well as some other intriguing center options).
Photo: Feb 24, 2020; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert (27) warms up before the game against the Phoenix Suns at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Mandatory Credit: Chris Nicoll-USA TODAY Sports
