Almost every indicator points to the Utah Jazz trading All-Star Donovan Mitchell and heading towards a full rebuild. The Jazz added several first-round picks this offseason by trading Gibert and O’Neale, but flipping Mitchell might double the total number. It seems like an easy choice, and the writers at the J-Notes have had a ton of fun covering all the potential mock trades that the Jazz could make.
But what if they don’t trade Mitchell? Could they still come out ahead? I believe so. Mitchell has been nothing but a class act this summer. Kevin Durant has been a diva, and after being traded to Atlanta, Dejounte Murray showed his true colors. It’s been refreshing that Mitchell has appeared eager to work with the Jazz front office. At this point, with no deal imminent, maybe the Utah Jazz should keep their young superstar and commit to building around him. With Gobert out of the picture, if he stays, it will be Mitchell’s team. There are several reasons not to trade him, so let’s look at the benefits of keeping him on the Jazz.
Donovan Mitchell improves every year
Already a three-time All-Star, Mitchell has never failed to average more than 20 points per night and has been the Jazz’s leading scorer every year since he’s entered the NBA. His points go up 5.5% every year, his assists go up 8.75%, his rebounds 3%, and his shooting percentage from deep is .75%, on average.
Donovan Mitchell will average 27.3 points, 4.3 boards, 5.7 dimes, and shoot 35.8% from deep.
That would put him sixth in the league in points in the 2021 season, at age 26. That’s absurd. Why would you want to trade him away?
Mitchell is yet to make an All-NBA team, but the numbers suggest he’s closing in on it. Even if he’s arrived at his peak, he’s certainly one of the best players in the entire league, and with four years left on his contract, he could be in Utah to stay.