1. Utah Jazz fans should be most wary of the New York Knicks
The New York Knicks are often linked to every big name free agent and potential trade target, but given all of Mitchell’s connections to New York and their plethora of young picks and talent, it’s hard not to begin connecting the dots. The league view on Knicks players like Immanuel Quickley, Obi Toppin and Quentin Grimes may be low, but packaged with a group of 4-5 first round picks over the next few years may be just too much for the Utah Jazz higher ups to resist.
The Knicks have reportedly been unwilling to include the picks necessary to make the deal happen, but if the Jazz get off to a slow start in 2022/23, the Knicks may again come calling. Like Jalen Brunson, the connections to New York are just too much to deny, and with such a potentially great offer, the Knicks may win out and look to become contenders in 2022.
Jazz fans shouldn’t be too worried about Spida being moved during the off-season, but if Utah struggle with little talent around No. 45, and fall behind in an already tough and getting tougher Western Conference, it may then make much more sense to seek more draft capital and young talent going forward.