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
Utah Jazz star lands in the City of Brotherly Love
In case (somehow) you haven’t heard, Ben Simmons is on the trade block. In fact, his disconnect with the 76ers organization runs so deeply that he won’t even don their uniform anymore.
Trading him has proven a difficult proposition for General Manager Daryl Morey. More directly, trading him for a package that satisfies his lofty ambitions has proven difficult. Morey has been quite clear that he won’t accept anything less than an All-Star caliber player for Simmons’ services.
He hasn’t found one yet. Simmons is one of the league’s more complicated players in terms of on-court impact. He’s an All-World defender with elite court vision, but his absolute unwillingness to shoot three-pointers makes him a questionable lead ball-handler in the modern NBA.
There are some elite NBA players whose names are perpetually in the NBA’s trade rumor mill. Damian Lillard, Bradley Beal and Jaylen Brown all come to mind as targets that Morey would undoubtedly deem acceptable. However, their respective teams may find themselves preferring a complete tear down in the event of a trade request from one of those stars. Teams like the Golden State Warriors or New York Knicks would be in a better position to offer them some combination of young players and draft picks.
On the other hand, a Mitchell-for-Simmons swap could be intriguing if Mitchell did request a trade from the Utah Jazz.
While fitting Simmons and Gobert together may be a challenge, Quin Snyder is a master technician. With the two surrounded by Utah’s plethora of floor spacers, they may come to an acceptable arrangement.
On the other hand: good lord, the defense.
The combination of Simmons’ defensive versatility and Gobert’s rim protection wouldn’t just be strong. It would be, possibly, the most devastating defensive pairing in NBA history. Surely, Utah Jazz fans prefer Mitchell and Gobert’s offense/defense dynamic. If Donovan Mitchell were to request a trade, however, this might be an experiment worth running.
Utah Jazz acquire influx of young talent
Remember when we named the Warriors as one of the teams who could outbid the Sixers for a disgruntled star? That would apply if Donovan Mitchell requested a trade out of Salt Lake City a well.
Between Jonathan Kuminga, Moses Moody and James Wiseman, the Warriors roster an inordinate amount of young talent for an NBA contender. They also have Andrew Wiggins and his generous salary in tow for money matching purposes. If Donovan Mitchell were to ask out of Utah, they may be armed with the best rebuilding package in the NBA.
Of course, Jazz fans may be reading this and wondering how their beloved Rudy Gobert fits into this equation. Bad news: he doesn’t.
If this scenario came to be, the Jazz may have to look to move Gobert in a separate transaction. In fact, the Jazzmen would probably host a thorough firesale, as veterans like Mike Conley, Joe Ingles and Bojan Bogdanovic could fetch them more rebuilding assets.
In the NBA, life can come at you quickly, and you won’t always like what it has to offer.
On the other hand, a core group of Jonathan Kuminga, James Wiseman and Moses Moody would give the Jazz a headstart on a suddenly needed rebuild. Furthermore, the Jazzmen own their 2023 first-round pick. Bottoming out next year may give them a crack at Victor Wembenyama, Scooter Henderson or another prospect in what’s widely regarded as a stacked 2023 NBA draft.
While the previously suggested Simmons-for-Mitchell swap would be an opportunity to pivot, this profiles as a full-blown doomsday scenario. If Donovan Mitchell did request a trade from the Utah Jazz, that may end up being what the team faces anyway.
Utah Jazz star returns home to Big Apple
There is very much a possibility that “Donovan Mitchell is itching to play in a bigger market” is a code for “Donovan Mitchell would like to play for the Knicks someday”. He’s a New York native. When your hometown also happens to be the biggest market in the NBA, it may be difficult to resist the urge to play there.
In this age of player empowerment, it’s easier for players to determine their own fates. Ultimately, if Mitchell and his camp were to put out the word that they’d only accept the New York as a landing spot, they may be able to get him there. Luckily, the Knicks could offer the Jazz a number of intriguing packages.
If Utah’s front office prefers to stay competitive, something built around Julius Randle and another solid veteran or two could get a deal done. On the other hand, should the Jazz opt to rebuild, R.J. Barrett, Mitch Robinson, Immanuel Quickley and a boatload of first-round picks and/or pick swaps might grease the wheels.
This also feels like a situation that may call for a three-team deal. If Randle, Alec Burks and/or Evan Fournier don’t pique Danny Ainge’s interest, could Randle and Buddy Hield? If the previously mentioned rebuilding package doesn’t suffice, could adding Cam Reddish into the fold do the trick?
There are a lot of possibilities in play here. Hopefully, the Jazz don’t have to consider any of them.
After all, the Utah Jazz are surely comfortable in their current position. They’re one of the best teams in the National Basketball Association. If Donovan Mitchell ever does request a trade, however, that might be forced to change.