Knicks Rumors: The cost of trading for Donovan Mitchell

Utah Jazz stars Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert are reportedly on thin ice. The New York Knicks have been linked to Mitchell, but what would a trade cost?

The alarms sounded on Friday, April 10 when The Athletic reported that Utah Jazz stars Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell were on thin ice. Speculation immediately arose that the Knicks could take advantage of this situation, potentially even trading for one of Utah’s cornerstones.

While it’s all speculation at this point, reports are already surfacing to explain what it is that New York would have to part with in order to trade for Utah’s All-Star guard.

Mitchell, 23, is one of the fastest rising stars in the NBA. He made the All-Rookie Team in 2017-18, was an All-Star in 2019-20, and already has 16 games of postseason experience under his belt through less than three full seasons.

According to Ian Begley of SNY, the Knicks could actually trade for Mitchell—if they’re willing to pay a steep price.

"If Mitchell were to seek a trade from the Jazz, one opposing executive, speculating, said that any Knicks package would probably have to include either RJ Barrett or Mitchell Robinson, and two first-round picks (one of them unprotected)."

Debates will rage as to whether or not this would be worth doing, but what’s clear is that the Knicks would have to be ready to part with a great deal of current and future talent.

Mitchell is in the midst of his best regular season to date. He’s averaging career-best marks in points (24.2), rebounds (4.4), and three-point field goals made per game (2.5), as well as matching his career-best mark of 4.2 assists per contest.

Mitchell is also posting career-highs in field goal percentage (45.3), three-point field goal percentage (36.4), and free throw percentage (85.9).

As such, it would be silly to expect the Knicks to turn down the opportunity to at least speak with Utah about a potential trade.

RJ Barrett and Mitchell Robinson are regarded as two of the more promising young players in the NBA, but one could rationalize the move if they believe in Mitchell. Where this becomes complicated is when one looks at additional two first-round draft picks that would be included, as well.

Chances are: Utah would rather have the Knicks’ first-round draft picks than the Mavericks’, as Dallas is expected to pick in the 20s for as long as Luka Doncic is playing.

Only time will tell where the New York Knicks go from here, but the asking price for Donovan Mitchell offers a fair starting point for speculation.