Over the past few months, there has been a growing sense that Donovan Mitchell is destined for a breakup with the Utah Jazz.
Even as his group continues to dominate in the West, there has been much doubt about his long-term commitment to the franchise, with some reports hinting at a move to the Heat or Knicks.
But in a chat with Chris Haynes of Yahoo! Sports, the 3x All-Star set the record straight on his standing with the Jazz. While not outright denying the possibility of a transfer, he stressed that his only focus right now is winning with the guys he’s got.
“I think I’ve reached a point where you’re happy with yourself, first off,” Mitchell told Yahoo Sports. “But as far as myself with the franchise, I see the articles, but I really address it with my teammates. I’ve seen it. I’m not too stressed about it. I’m not thinking about it. Because for me, it’s about how we can win.”
“There’s going to be talk whether I say something, whether I don’t say something because that’s how I’ve always been. I’ve always been someone that’s like, ‘OK, they’re saying stuff. Let’s go ahead and lock in.’ I haven’t really thought too much about it. I’m happy right now and just continuing to find ways to win.”
The Utah Jazz finished with the best record in the West last season before following it up with a loss in the second round of the playoffs. Since then, the team has been labeled as “pretenders” with no real shot to win when it matters.
This season, even though Utah is once again near the top of the standings, they have a lot to prove before anyone takes them seriously.
For Mitchell, his only worry right now is making amends for his team’s shortcomings and proving once and for all that he and his squad deserve the same respect as the other elite teams.
What happens after that is anyone’s guess.
