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4 star players Knicks might have to give up in possible Donovan Mitchell trade

By Jordanna Clark

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - FEBRUARY 07: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz defends RJ Barrett #9 of the New York Knicks during the second half of a game at Vivint Smart Home Arena on February 07, 2022 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - FEBRUARY 07: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz defends RJ Barrett #9 of the New York Knicks during the second half of a game at Vivint Smart Home Arena on February 07, 2022 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images) /
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New York Knicks, Obi Toppin
Obi Toppin, New York Knicks. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /

3: Obi Toppin

Outside of the new face of the franchise, it’s going to hurt the worst if Obi Toppin’s involved in a trade during the summer. The 24-year-old ended the year on a hot streak, wrapping up the regular season with a career-high 42-point outing against Toronto.

Toppin was the No. 8 overall pick of the 2020 draft, months before Julius Randle set out on his 2020-21 All-Star campaign. He didn’t start at all in his first year with the Knicks but started in 10 games this past season, which was largely due to Randle’s quadriceps injury.

If Randle were to request a trade, Toppin would take his place in the starting lineup. If the 24-year-old were to be traded to Utah, he could take Royce O’Neale’s place as a starter.

It’s not difficult for Toppin to get fans to their feet. He won the 2022 NBA Slam Dunk Contest for a reason, but it’s his quickness in transition that makes him special. The biggest highlight of his game to close out the year was his 3-point shooting. In New York’s final five games, Toppin shot 46% from beyond the arc.

Like Quickley, Toppin’s young and has yet to reach his full potential. Those are the qualities that the Jazz could be looking for in a possible trade. And why wouldn’t they? The front office will have to try to soften the blow of losing Mitchell somehow.

Although Toppin’s only been in New York for two seasons, it would rip Knicks fans’ hearts out to see him go. He’d always have a home in the city, and not just because he’s from there.

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