Dallas Mavericks: 5 trade targets that could push them into title contention

4. Rudy Gobert, Utah Jazz

Fans heard the rumblings out of Utah a few weeks back. The Athletic reported (subscription required) that the relationship between Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell may be damaged beyond repair. That could mean one or both players hitting the trade block this offseason.

If the Dallas Mavericks want a defensive anchor, there may be no better one in the NBA than Gobert. He has led the NBA in ESPN’s defensive real plus-minus each of the last four seasons. The 7’1 center blocks shots, grabs rebounds, and controls the paint at an elite level.

Gobert has also scored over 15 points per game each of the last two seasons on incredible efficiency. He shot 69.8 percent from the field this year. The Stifle Tower is a monster in the paint on both ends of the floor.

Trading for Rudy Gobert also gives the Mavericks flexibility. The 27-year-old is an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2021. The Mavs get a year of Gobert to try it out and still have the option to chase the free agency crop when they have the cap space to do so.

The deal would likely clean out the Mavs draft picks. They would have to do a draft night trade featuring their 2020 first rounder plus a first in 2025. That means the Mavericks would not be able to deal another one until 2027. One small downside to making this deal.

Next: No. 3