Utah Jazz trade news: Jazz sign Gobert to big contract
Entering his fourth season in the league, the Utah Jazz handsomely repaid Rudy Gobert's services with a new deal.
As the team's starting center, Gobert was reported to have signed a four-year extension and is worth around $102 million.
At 24 years old, Gobert is now one of the best paid players in the league, and despite being picked 27th overall in the 2013 NBA draft, he has proven to be one of the better defenders.
In his first three years in the league, Gobert averaged 7.2 points and 8.6 assists per game.
However, in the first three games this season, he has upped his production as he averages a double-double with 11 points and 12 rebounds per game.
Even more impressive is his shooting. It is still well over 50 percent from the field and his free throw has jumped significantly from 59 to 79 percent.
This is great news for Gobert as the Jazz have put their faith on him, but this may also be a move that could make him a big trade piece when the bigger players are coming in free agency.
Each player easily needs a center who can fill the middle of the floor especially on the defensive end and Gobert is that person.
Looking at the Jazz, they definitely need more players in order to return back to their playoff form and having Gobert sign a big contract can mean that they can command other teams for star players if they inquire about the center.
At the moment, Gobert's signing will help the Jazz become a more marketable team as they have a young core ready to break out.
However, if things do not go their way then trading their pieces will be vital in a rebuild, with Gobert probably one of the last to go.