After several weeks of talk surrounding Donovan Mitchell and the Utah Jazz, it looked like the New York Knicks were the favorite to land the young star. Then, two weeks ago, trade talks between the two teams stalled. The Jazz were asking for far too much young talent and picks, and the Knicks were not looking to make a fair deal. Or so we thought.
A recent report from The Athletic (subscription required) suggested that the Knicks have reemerged as the frontrunner in the Donovan Mitchell sweepstakes. According to Shams Charina, the Knicks have started to pick up the phone and talk with the Jazz, trying to make a deal that would launch a rebuild and make the Knicks a fearsome team in the East.
After several weeks of no conversations, the Knicks and Jazz recently re-engaged in trade talks centered on Donovan Mitchell, sources tell me and @Tjonesonthenba.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) August 16, 2022
Story at @TheAthletic: https://t.co/Z4sRvsbCaw
With three seasons left on his contract, the Jazz should be in no rush to part ways with Mitchell. To his credit, he has handled this tumultuous summer with grace and tact and has not made headlines like a certain star in Brooklyn has.
Utah Jazz: Donovan Mitchell is back on the market
A key component to the initial report by the Athletic is that “there is no traction between the two teams on a deal.” Excuse me? Are the Jazz and Knicks just calling each other to stir the pot, like preteens do at a sleepover? Or is there something we as fans don’t know? Why would there be strong discussions remerging unless the Knicks have a package they want to sell, or if the Jazz are willing to take a lower offer than they were earlier this summer?
The Knicks are clearly interested, but so are several other teams. Will the Knicks land their potential centerpiece? Will he play for another team? Or is all this for naught, as he could return to Utah?