3 potential landing spots if Utah Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell requests a trade

Utah Jazz diehards are probably already angry after reading the headline. It’s understandable. If Donovan Mitchell ever requests a trade from this team, it would be a nightmare for the Jazzmen. If he truly pines for a larger market, the possibility of that outcome cannot be denied.

In fact, a great deal may ride on this season. If the Jazz win an NBA Championship, or even advance to the Finals, Mitchell is likely to commit to their cause long term. Winning has a way of curing all ailments in this league. Championship contention should serve to bolster Mitchell’s profile in a way that fighting to win a playoff series in New York couldn’t even.

On the other hand, another disappointing playoff outcome could spell the beginning of the end for Mitchell’s tenure in Salt Lake City. Utah Jazz fans shouldn’t shoot the messenger. Playing for the league’s biggest prize is the ultimate incentive for an NBA star to compromise on market size. Utah may become less appealing to the New York native if it becomes apparent that the Jazz, as currently constructed, aren’t serious contenders.

Of course we may be overreacting to recent rumors. ESPN insider Tim McMahon is a fairly credible source. He also, barring some kind of Freaky Friday scenario, does not speak for Donovan Mitchell. Jazz fans should retain every hope that Mitchell is happily settled in Salt Lake City.

In the event that he isn’t, Jazz fans should hope that the organization swings a trade to return assets before they lose a superstar for nothing. With that in mind, we’ve identified three potential landing spots for Mitchell. We’re factoring in these team’s assets under the assumption that Mitchell departs Salt Lake City via trade, rather than free agency.

So you can thank us for that little sliver of optimism, at least