4 NBA superstars who request a trade this offseason

PORTLAND, OREGON - DECEMBER 23: Damian Lillard #0 of the Portland Trail Blazers dribbles against Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz during the first half of the game at Moda Center on December 23, 2020 in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images) /

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SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH – JANUARY 01: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz in action during a game against the Golden State Warriors at Vivint Smart Home Arena on January 01, 2022 in Salt Lake City, Utah, 4 NBA superstars who request a trade this offseason. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images) /

4 NBA superstars who request a trade this offseason – Donovan Mitchell

Donovan Mitchell has had to shoo away questions about his potential departure for a few years now. Savvy in interviews and press conferences, the star guard has made it clear he wants to stay and win in Utah.

Reports, including recent ones from Sports Illustrated’s Howard Bec k, indicate otherwise. The three-time All-Star has had a rocky relationship with running mate Rudy Gobert as well as the state of Utah’s politics leaves him primed for an exit. A potential move to a larger market would be the cherry on top.

Add in the fact that the Jazz have struggled to recapture their success of recent seasons, the team could be headed towards a rebuild, or at least a reshuffling. Would they really move on from their franchise cornerstone?

Still just 25 years old, Mitchell would no doubt force a hefty trade package. And he certainly holds enough power to make a power move like Kawhi Leonard did with the Spurs. Or he could take a softer I-want-out approach as Paul George did in Indiana.

No player of his caliber is certain to be dealt. But if any NBA superstar were to swap teams in the coming years, Donovan Mitchell might just be the best bet.