NBA Trade Rumors: Rudy Gobert Could Be ‘Final Missing Piece’ For Celtics, Per ‘ClutchPoints’
The Boston Celtics may have surpassed expectations in the 2019-20 NBA season, but as of now, they are still not considered to be on the same level as other powerhouse teams like the Milwaukee Bucks, Los Angeles Lakers, and the Los Angeles Clippers. In order to boost their chances of fully dominating the Eastern Conference and winning another championship title, the Celtics should find ways to improve their current roster. One of the areas that the Celtics need to upgrade is the center position.
In recent months, the Celtics have already been linked to several big men who are expected to be available on the trade market this offseason, including All-Star Rudy Gobert of the Utah Jazz. According to ClutchPoints, Gobert could be the “final missing piece” that the Celtics need to increase their chances of bringing home the Larry O’Brien Trophy next season.
“The Boston Celtics are legitimate contenders with a promising young core. The only piece that they lack is a sufficient option at the center position. Thus, it would make sense for them to pursuit Gobert in the hopes of filling this void as he would be an instant upgrade on the team’s rim protection. The only major concern for them is the tight salary cap situation beyond the 2020-2021 season. Therefore, it seems like pursuing a cheaper player that can protect the rim at a high-level would be a better option for the Celtics.”
In the proposed scenario, the Celtics would be sending a trade package that includes Marcus Smart, Robert Williams III, Daniel Theis, Romeo Langford, and a 2020 first-round pick to the Jazz in exchange for Gobert. For the deal to work under the NBA’s collective bargaining agreement, the Celtics would need to add more players to match the Jazz’s outgoing salary.
Gobert would undeniably be the ideal trade target for the Celtics this offseason. The potential arrival of Gobert in Boston would immediately fill the hole Al Horford left on the Celtics’ frontcourt. Gobert is yet to unlock his three-point shooting potential, but he could boost the Celtics’ performance on both ends of the floor. Aside from being a quality rim protector, Gobert is a reliable scorer under the basket and an incredible rebounder.
This season, the 28-year-old French big man is averaging 15.1 points, 13.7 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks while shooting 69.8 percent from the field. Sacrificing Smart and some of their young players would undeniably be a tough decision for the Celtics, but it would all be worth it if it means acquiring a player of Gobert’s caliber. Adding Gobert to the core of Kemba Walker, Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, and Gordon Hayward would give the Celtics a realistic chance of beating title favorites like the Bucks, Lakers, and the Clippers in a best-of-seven series.
