Rumors have been swirling around Utah Jazz star Donovan Mitchell. If there’s any truth in them, they could be a nightmare for Jazz fans.
It’s worth noting that not a single word directly from Mitchell’s mouth has indicated that he has any desire to leave the Utah Jazz. However, ESPN insider Tim McMahon claims to have heard some whispers.
“There is, I’m gonna say, at least speculation around the league that market size might matter to him”.
Utah Jazz may face difficult decision in future
Obviously, this Jazz front office can’t act on the speculation of a journalist who isn’t even involved with the team. However, they probably ought to be monitoring Mitchell’s mindset as best they can.
Mitchell is a New York native, but he’s had all the appearances of embracing Salt Lake City since arriving on the Jazz. From his infamous battles with Utah lawmakers to his SpidaCares Foundation, Mitchell has entrenched himself in the Utah community.
To hear him tell it, he wouldn’t have it any other way.
“I’m not here to be a big market guy. That’s not who I am. I’ve never been a top dog, I’ve always been an underdog” Mitchell said in a 2018 interview.
Not the words of a player “itching” to play in a bigger market.
Utah Jazz should cling to Mitchell for dear life
That’s not to say that things don’t change in the NBA. They do. Donovan Mitchell would be far from the first player to pledge his allegiance to a smaller market, only to jump ship down the road. His New York roots don’t help to alleviate any concerns.
In the meantime, the Utah Jazz should not entertain the notion of parting with their superstar unless it becomes immediately necessary. He’s the lifeblood of this historically potent Jazz offense.
That’s worth even more to this organization than his roots in the community.
The NBA rumor mill has to churn constantly, or it ceases to function. Apparently, not even a small market club like the Utah Jazz can avoid it.