After reports that the Utah Jazz and New York Knicks were no longer discussing a trade involving superstar Donovan Mitchell, it looked like the offseason would end quietly for the Jazz. That was until a few days ago when a bomb was dropped: after weeks of no contact, the Jazz and Knicks had reentered trade discussions and the odds of Mitchell staying with the Jazz were dropping every day.
Since then, it’s seemed like the Jazz and Knicks were close to making a deal. That was three days ago, and no more reports have emerged.
Utah Jazz: Could another team enter the fray for Donovan Mitchell?
The J-Notes have covered possible trade situations with the Sixers, Nets, Kings, Wizards, Heat, Lakers, and Hornets, but it has been clear all along that the Knicks were the frontrunners to land Mitchell. Anything else was just speculation. That was until last night when talk radio host Andy Larsen suggested that other teams have thrown their hat in the ring, and the Jazz are seriously intrigued.
“I was told by a source that the Jazz actually have a couple of offers, that I was told are from other teams outside of NY that they like an awful lot…“
— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) August 17, 2022
— Utah sports radio host Spence Checketts to Jazz reporter Andy Larsen about Donovan Mitchell; more: https://t.co/1KjuJZln9r pic.twitter.com/XzKTaoWQJ8
Apparently, the Jazz have received several real offers from various other teams that they like just as much as the Knicks’ offer. Now, the details of these offers have not been leaked yet, so it could just be smoke and mirrors. That being said, it looks like the Knicks are still the frontrunner.
"“The Knicks are willing to offer 4-5 picks, the Jazz is asking for six. The Jazz are interested in RJ Barrett…the Jazz are not as interested in RJ Barrett as the Knicks are interested in RJ Barrett…I think it’s pretty clear that both teams want this deal done” -Andy Larsen"
Six picks is an absolute haul for Utah, and I really doubt that the Knicks want to part with a franchise cornerstone to try and compete in a loaded Eastern Conference, but stranger things have happened. If the Knicks and Jazz can’t make a deal before the season starts, I would expect the young star to be playing somewhere else by opening night.