Could Dallas Mavericks trade for Jazz star Rudy Gobert?

Why it is possible

The trade could happen this offseason. The Dallas Mavericks can use Dwight Powell and Tim Hardaway Jr. to match Rudy Gobert’s salary. That would assume THJ opts-in on his player option. That makes the deal possible without taking into account the desire for each team to make the move.

The Mavs wanting Gobert in Dallas is obvious. He would anchor the team’s defense. The Mavericks are first in offensive rating, but rank 17th in defensive this season. Adding the two-time Defensive Player of the Year would be a massive improvement in this area. He impacts shots in the paint and makes life difficult for the opposition.

Gobert is capable of being the Mavericks’ third scorer on offense too. He averages 15.1 and 13.7 rebounds per game this season while shooting 69.8 percent from the field.

The 27-year-old is an above-average roll man which would only improve playing with Luka Doncic, one of the best ball handlers in the NBA. Gobert shoots 83.6 percent of his shots within three feet. He is going to attack the rim and score at a high percentage.

The Mavs are going to have to pay a hefty price, but Gobert also allows them to maintain flexibility for the summer of 2021. They will have max space for perhaps the final time while Doncic is on his rookie deal. They could re-sign Gobert or chase a different star in free agency. The deal would cost draft picks, but it is worth the risk for the Mavericks.

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