Donovan Mitchell is one of the best scorers in the NBA, and there’s no doubt that he has been key in the Utah Jazz’s success over the last few years. He is well-known for having explosive scoring nights on a high volume of shots, and he has been Utah’s offensive engine. Currently, Donovan Mitchell is averaging 25.9 PPG, 4.0 RPG, and 5.2 APG.
While it is clear that Donovan Mitchell is doing fine in Utah, there have been reports that have suggested that he would join the New York Knicks in the future. One such report suggests that the Utah Jazz are “a first-round exit” away from Donovan Mitchell moving to the Knicks.
If the Jazz appear to be feeling pressure to redeem themselves for last year’s second-round playoff exit after posting the league’s best record, NBA executives say it’s in part because the future of star guard Donovan Mitchell in Utah depends on it.
The incessant buzz around the league is that there are those in Mitchell’s circle who believe he is too big of a star for Salt Lake City. Further, some say it’s only a matter of time before he joins former Creative Artists Agency agent and current New York Knicks president Leon Rose.
“They’re a first-round exit from Donovan being in New York,” an Eastern Conference scout said.
Adam Kester of Daily Knicks has previously suggested a hypothetical trade that would send Donovan Mitchell to the New York Knicks. The Knicks would offer up former All-Star Julius Randle in this trade, along with two young players in Immanuel Quickley and Cam Reddish. The Knicks would also send out six picks total as draft compensation: three first-round picks and three second-round picks.
New York Knicks Receive: Donovan Mitchell
Utah Jazz Receive: Julius Randle, Immanuel Quickley, Cam Reddish, three first-round picks, and three second-round picks
Keeping Barrett in the deal is the dream, although it may be too unlikely for a player of Mitchell’s caliber. Still, the Knicks have plenty of draft picks to trade, and 3 firsts, including 6 total, is a major haul for Utah.
Perhaps they would rather take on more young players such as Obi Toppin and Quentin Grimes with other salary fillers as opposed to Julius Randle, but adding a player like Randle would probably make more sense.
It’s not going to happen this season, but key an eye on more reports linking Donovan Mitchell to New York.
There’s no question doubt that Donovan Mitchell would give the New York Knicks the franchise centerpiece that they need. They would also be able to keep RJ Barrett, who has been a very good two-way wing, that has also shown flashes of being a good scorer in the future. The Jazz in turn would get a huge package for their star with solid prospects and plenty of draft compensation.
While it doesn’t seem as though a Donovan Mitchell trade is imminent, there’s a chance it could happen in the future. As of now though, his focus will likely be on competing for a championship with the Utah Jazz.
