Utah Jazz Trade Speculation Of Rudy Gobert, Donovan Mitchell Amid Disappointing Playoffs

For much of the NBA season, there’s been speculation that the Utah Jazz would break up its roster if the team suffered another early playoff exit. Just three games in their first-round series with the Dallas Mavericks, the chances that Jazz will trade Rudy Gobert or Donovan Mitchell this summer appear to have increased significantly.

The Jazz suffered an embarrassing 126-118 Game 3 loss Thursday, falling behind the Mavericks 2-1 in the series. Utah entered the first round as a heavy favorite because of Luka Doncic’s calf injury, but the Jazz are two losses away from elimination with Dallas’ best player watching each game from the bench.

It was a similar story last season when Utah was defeated by the Los Angeles Clippers in the second round, even though Kawhi Leonard missed most of the series with an injury. The Jazz are in the playoffs for a sixth straight season. Utah has made three trips to the second round and no conference finals appearances during its current postseason streak.

Gobert is Utah's most obvious trade candidate. The center will be 30 years old next season, entering the second year of a five-year, $205 millon contract. Gobert’s renowned defensive prowess in the regular season hasn’t contributed to playoff success.

Gobert would have plenty of value on the trade market and could net a valuable return for the Jazz. He’s been named the NBA Defensive Player of the Year in three of the last five seasons.

The Mavericks, Toronto Raptors, and Golden State Warriors have been named as teams in recent weeks that would have interest in trading for Gobert if Utah makes him available.

In 29 minutes with Gobert on the floor in Game 3, the Jazz were outscored by 16 points. The center is averaging 9.3 points per game against Dallas, well below his regular-season average of 15.6 points.

Utah is much less likely to want to unload Mitchell because he is four years younger than Gobert with superstar-level talent. There is speculation, however, that Mitchell could follow in the path of recent stars and ask to be traded after years of losing in the playoffs.

The New York Knicks and Miami Heat are viewed as possible landing spots for Mitchell in the event that he asks to be sent elsewhere.

Mitchell has been an All-Star in three straight seasons. In five NBA seasons, the guard is averaging 23.9 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game.

In three straight postseasons, Mitchell has averaged more than 32.0 points per game. His perimeter defense has been a significant factor in Utah's poor playoff performances.

Mavericks guard Jalen Brunson has doubled his scoring average to 32.0 points per game against Utah. Spencer Dinwiddie is up to 19.7 points per game for Dallas.