Before they reached an agreement to send Rudy Gobert to Minnesota on Friday, the Jazz asked the Raptors about the possibility of acquiring forward OG Anunoby and swingman Gary Trent Jr., league sources tell Michael Scotto of HoopsHype.
Toronto was linked to Gobert repeatedly during the first half of the offseason. Still, as great as the three-time Defensive Player of the Year is, it was never clear how badly the Raptors wanted to break up their core to acquire a big man who didn’t fit the versatile, switchable, and positionless brand of basketball the team has adopted. Whether the Raptors balked at Utah’s asking price or the Jazz simply preferred Minnesota’s offer, Gobert is off the table for Toronto.
Here’s more from Scotto:
- The Celtics, Bucks, Nets, and Bulls are among the teams that expressed interest in Chris Boucher before he agreed to re-sign with the Raptors, while forward Thaddeus Young – who is also returning to Toronto – drew interest from the Celtics and Pacers, according to Scotto.
- The Nets made it a priority this offseason to land a wing defender capable of guarding multiple positions, which was why they agreed to trade for Royce O’Neale even as news of Kevin Durant‘s trade request was breaking. As Scotto explains, the Nets and Jazz previously explored a deal involving O’Neale and Joe Harris prior to the in-season trade deadline.
- In addition to receiving interest from teams willing to give him the full taxpayer mid-level exception, Donte DiVincenzo also received an offer from a team with cap space that would’ve exceeded the two-year, $9.3MM contract he’s signing with the Warriors, says Scotto. The second-year player option Golden State gave him and DiVincenzo’s belief that the Warriors give him the best opportunity to play for a contender were factors in his decision to accept less money, Scotto adds.
Championships are not won in July. Warriors will have plenty time to upgrade and make changes to their roster during trade deadline and buyout mkt. it’s a long season and so many things can happen. Must save bullets for later and not be tied down.
Last year Nets were the big pick to win it all and they failed. I do find it funny that many sport writers already wrote the Warriors off for next year. Perkins actually picking Grizzlies and they lost players. Waiting on what Miami does and if Suns resign Ayton. Will 2 big guys in Minny make them better or worse?
Not to mention GSW went 7-16 over Feb+Mar, proving you don’t even need to dominate the league from start to finish.
The big 3 played like 5 minutes together in the regular season. Looney and Poole unlocked new levels all season long. Moody had a 30 point game and Kuminga had a couple dozen excellent games. Cannot wait to see what the mix looks like all together for a full season.
I think Melo is coming next. He needs that ring and Bjelica+Porter are gone.
Well, Minnesota still has some quality bench guys. Their starting 5 is much better on defense and longer. Their GM used to be with Denver and was really good at finding quality guys on the cheap to fit spots. Plus, they could still deal Russell. I think they’ll be better.
Raptors didn’t want to disrupt its core but at the same time they have continued to just bring back the same bench players aswell. This team is a big move or two away from being a true contender so unless they do something this group doesn’t exactly strike fear into the big teams.
Maybe Gobert wasn’t the guy worth investing in fair enough but now KD is on the table. Donovan Mitchell might be available aswell. I think you have to do something if you want to improve.
Donovan Mitchell would be the guy I’d go after. Build around him and Scottie Barnes together and you’ll be able to keep one of your existing all stars (FVV/Siakim).
Offer something like Donovan Mitchell and Bogdan for Pascal Siakim, OG Anunoby and first round pick.
Start FVV Spida Barnes Bogi and someone at centre (Boucher or Achiwura). Then off the bench Trent Jr Otto Porter and Thad Young as your main 3. Team stays just as strong, Spida and Barnes is your future you build around and with a good HV in Nick Nurse and a solid bench I think you’d be close to a real threat once again.
Lol way to much from the Raptors
Good one. Mitchell alone would get more than that. He’s much more marketable than both those guys put together. Adding Bogey is overkill on a trade like that.
They’re retooling around Mitchell. Any trade from the Jazz involves anyone else and possibly picks. They have lots of both now.
If you read the article is says that there are reports about retooling around Mitchell or Mitchell requesting out and Jazz going full rebuild.
The reports are that Mitchell SHOULD want out, by their measure. And Utah says we want him. He himself has no stance yet.
I doubt Ainge has a plan yet, until Mitchell indicates at least.
Although there were glimmers of hope like shooting from deep and the usual trademark drives I doubt Mitchell can carry the team. He was struggling a lot the last season.