Donovan Mitchell has been at the center of trade rumors for the longest time. After Rudy Gobert was traded by the Utah Jazz, it seemed likely that Mitchell would also be on his way out. Both the New York Knicks and the Miami Heat have been linked with an interest in Mitchell, but so far, Utah’s asking price has proved to be too steep.
While many understand that Mitchell will want to leave the Jazz considering that they might be going into a rebuild, it’s not that straightforward for fans of the franchise. Many are questioning why they can’t rebuild around him. But the latest report from Jazz beat writer Andy Larsen explains why the franchise isn’t too keen on holding on to the All-Star.
The overwhelming feeling among league insiders is that Donovan Mitchell is likely to sign outside of Utah at the first available opportunity in 2025, per @andyblarsen pic.twitter.com/sO7Sbsn2H5
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) August 2, 2022
“The overwhelming feeling among league insiders is that Donovan Mitchell is likely to sign outside of Utah at the first available opportunity in 2025.”
Larsen went on to explain what the situation is with his plans for the future, addressing the potential of him ending up in New York or Miami.
“Mitchell considers New York home. Mitchell has spent the majority of this offseason in New York this year. His skills trainer, Chris Brickley, operates out of a gym in the city. It makes sense that he’d be interested in living there full time.
“There are other places he’s reportedly interested in — Miami being a candidate as well. There’s a sense that many in Mitchell’s team would prefer he play in a larger market than Utah. Such a market would likely earn him a bigger profile, and perhaps more money, from sponsors.”
It isn’t very likely that the Knicks or the Heat are able to find an immediate trade for Mitchell unless Danny Ainge lowers his demands a little. In any case, it’s important for the team to cash in on Donovan when they can. The closer they get to him becoming a free agent, the closer they get to losing him for nothing.
