Rumor Mill Claims Raptors Interested In Rudy Gobert

Are the Toronto Raptors going to trade for Utah’s star center?

A few articles ago, I wrote about the situation in the Utah Jazz’s organization where one of their star players -Rudy Gobert or Donovan Mitchell - has to go.

A few articles before that, I wrote about the Toronto Raptors’ need for a rim protector.

So, what’s the significance of those two statements?

Well, a little birdie from NBA Rumor Land is claiming that the Raptors may trade for Gobert this offseason if the Jazz makes him available (which is very likely since it is reported that they prefer to build around “Spida” Mitchell rather than “Gobzilla”).

According to Ian Begley of SNY, the Raptors have a “degree of interest” in attaining Gobert.

“The Toronto Raptors are among the teams who would have a degree of interest in trading for him if he’s made available, sources say.”

But would this be a good transaction for Toronto, seeing how Mike Luciano from Fansided’s Raptors Rapture believes the team would have to give up either Gary Trent, Jr. or OG Anunoby to make the trade work?

Personally, I don’t think it’s worth it.

Trent, Jr. and Anunoby have too much potential and the team needs their skills to effectively run their playbook.

They need Trent, Jr. for his stealing of the basketball and iso scoring. They need Anunoby for his all-around, lockdown defence and his scoring that’s continually improving. 

Additionally, I don’t think the Raptors need a top-of-the-line, All-Defensive center. 

They just need a good rim protector who can also rebound consistently, like Nerlens Noel. Or Serge Ibaka. Or Javale McGee. Or Gobert’s backup, Hasan Whiteside.

Any one of these big men, in my opinion, will be able to help them get over obstacles and win more games.

Final Thoughts

Gobert is a really talented center and the Raptors would improve with him in their lineup.

But is he worth young talent with high potential (and who fits the team system really well)? 

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