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3 reasons Donovan Mitchell is going to leave the Utah Jazz

By Luke Duffy

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - MARCH 18: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz looks on during the second half of a game against the Los Angeles Clippers at Vivint Smart Home Arena on March 18, 2022 in Salt Lake City, Utah. 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)
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - MARCH 18: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz looks on during the second half of a game against the Los Angeles Clippers at Vivint Smart Home Arena on March 18, 2022 in Salt Lake City, Utah. 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) /
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3 reasons Donovan Mitchell is going to leave the Utah Jazz
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH – MARCH 14: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz in action during the second half of a game against the Milwaukee Bucks at Vivint Smart Home Arena on March 14, 2022 in Salt Lake City, Utah. 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) /

3 reasons Donovan Mitchell is going to leave the Utah Jazz: 1. Time is up

Mitchell has been to the postseason every year of his career so far. Now in his fifth season, he is a three-time All-Star. But he’s only made it out of the first round twice and has never gone any deeper than that. It might seem a bit early to be looking at pastures new, but the career of a star player can be over so quickly.

Looking around the Western Conference, the Clippers are going to have both George and Kawhi Leonard back soon. The Golden State Warriors restocked their young talent pool. Luka Doncic is coming, and we should all be wary of that. The Phoenix Suns will be the gold standard for a couple of years. We haven’t even mentioned the Los Angeles Lakers.

All of which is to say, perhaps Mitchell has just realized what it takes others far longer to. The time to get out, get to a bigger market, and try to win it all is now. Lillard has remained loyal to the Trail Blazers through it all. Do you think that was the right decision? On the other hand, Anthony Davis got out of his situation with the New Orleans Pelicans as soon as the right chance came up.

He might be constantly injured, but he has a ring to show for it already. He lives in Los Angeles, plays with LeBron James, and is still only 29. Not a bad job if you can get it. Mitchell might look at Lillard and see the future near misses stretching out in front of him.

Make no mistake, the Jazz have done an excellent job building a fringe contender and have a brilliant head coach in Quinn Snyder. It just takes a bit of luck, drafting well beyond the lottery, and a key free agent or two in order to go all of the way.

Even then, if a player like Kevin Durant joins the Warriors, as he did in the past, those plans go out the window. Better to be in control of your own destiny than wait and see what happens around you and react. Donovan Mitchell looks fed up, and he could be the next superstar to up sticks and leave.

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