Donovan Mitchell is the biggest name left on the market, with several teams reportedly involved in trying to make a deal happen for him. The New York Knicks have been considered frontrunners throughout the process, and indeed they remain in the strongest position to acquire Mitchell. They announced a huge extension for RJ Barrett on Monday, and there were some concerns about what this meant for their pursuit of Mitchell, but it seems they can still acquire the Jazz guard.
The question has long been what Mitchell wants to do, there were mutterings earlier in the season that he might even stay for a quick rebuild. His interest in playing for New York and Miami has also been reported on, so those destinations have been spoken about when addressing trade scenarios the most. But ultimately, there hasn’t been much overtly said by the man himself regarding his future.
However, he has recently dropped a huge hint about how he is currently feeling on Twitter. Mitchell, who, despite all the speculation and the Rudy Gobert trade, hadn’t given anything away, seemingly took the Utah Jazz out of his Twitter bio on Tuesday.
Donovan Mitchell removed the Jazz from his bio 🤯
(h/t @sn_nba ) pic.twitter.com/CSM8or9Uyn
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) August 30, 2022
Former bio: “Be Humble. Former Louisville Guard #L1C4… Utah Jazz Guard.”
New bio: “Be Humble.”
In itself, this wouldn’t be considered that big a deal, it’s not like a potential move is a secret at this point. But perhaps this points to how imminent a deal for Mitchell is. Brian Windhorst recently revealed that Utah wants to trade Mitchell before training camp begins for next season. Training camp doesn’t start till late September, so there is time, but with the market for the All-Star reportedly thinning, maybe a deal could be struck sooner than most expected.
The biggest issue in a deal, according to insiders, has been the massive asking price that Danny Ainge has slapped on Mitchell. The All-Star is a valuable asset and a terrific player but doesn’t have the postseason success to warrant the absolute haul the Jazz are demanding. And if Mitchell himself is now ready to make a move, as taking the Jazz’s name out of his bio on social media would suggest, then it might reduce Utah’s leverage and force them into making a trade happen sooner.
