After narrowly avoiding disaster in the 2022 offseason, the Brooklyn Nets can finally continue their free agency plans with both stars in tow.
Numerous names stand out as solid options for the Nets, but Donovan Mitchell may be among the most intriguing assets available. The young star could be had for the right price, and the Nets could stand to gain from his production.
Interestingly, however, SNY’s Ian Begley confirmed that while the Nets are interested in Mitchell, not everyone within the organization is on board with trading for him.
At the moment, there doesn’t appear to be any suitors who can approach what the Knicks can offer – even if you take RJ Barrett off the table.
Several teams, including the Nets and Miami Heat, reportedly have interest in Mitchell.
But some members of the Nets organization like where the roster is at the moment and don’t feel a sense or urgency to pursue Mitchell. Miami would probably need to engage a third team to produce enough draft capital to satisfy Utah. The Heat can currently trade three future first-round picks.
New York can trade as many as eight future first-round picks.
As SNY previously reported, Utah seeks Barrett in a Mitchell trade. Barrett, obviously, has strong advocates within the Knicks organization. But some New York decision-makers are open to including Barrett in a trade for Mitchell, sources say.
Mitchell, 25, is one of the best young stars in the league. As a quick and explosive scorer, he can rack up points in bunches and can reliably close games for any team in the NBA. Last season, which was considered a down year, he averaged 25.9 points, 5.3 assists, and 4.2 rebounds per game on 44.8% shooting.
He would obviously be a major contributor for Brooklyn, especially if Durant and Irving are still around by the star of the season.
And while the franchise is clearly undecided on making a run for Mitch, the Nets are still considered among the favorites to trade for him.
“Earlier in the free agency period, several teams monitoring the Mitchell situation saw the Heat as the favorite to land him via trade,” wrote Ian Begley of SportsNet New York. “But Brooklyn has interest in landing Mitchell as well…”
Wherever Donovan Mitchell lands, this upcoming season will be a big test for him. After a troublesome season with the Jazz and a summer of trade rumors, can the young guard put it all behind him and play at the top of his game?
We will find out soon enough, but the chances are that his days in Utah are numbered — regardless of how this season plays out.
