Hello, New York Knicks fans. Chances are that you’re racking your brain right about now wondering what it’d take for the Knicks to trade for Donovan Mitchell after seeing the news about Rudy Gobert being traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves. It’s hard not to dream.
Adrian Wojnarowski dropped a bombshell on Friday afternoon when he tweeted the words, “Utah is trading Rudy Gobert to Minnesota, sources tell ESPN.” The Jazz have officially parted ways with one of their stars, but Utah got a haul in exchange for the 3-time Defensive Player of the Year.
Leandro Bolmaro is also in the deal to the Jazz, source said.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 1, 2022
Minnesota is sending its 2023, 2025 and 2027 picks unprotected and a top-5 protected 2029 pick to Utah, sources tell ESPN. https://t.co/fz3wxKJT0D
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 1, 2022
It’s safe to say that if that’s what it took to trade for Gobert (essentially five first-round picks if you include Walker Kessler), it’s going to take even more to trade for Mitchell.
Knicks fans have turned their attention to a possible trade for Donovan Mitchell
After the Jazz were the victims of yet another first-round playoff exit, the rumor mill began to spin. At the age of 25, would Mitchell request a trade? Better yet, would he request a trade to his home state of New York?
Those rumors multiplied after Quin Snyder announced that he was resigning, and Knicks assistant coach Johnnie Bryant was a candidate for the job, but the position went to former Celtics assistant coach Will Hardy. Bryant and Mitchell share a close relationship, which has only brought on more rumors about the guard possibly landing with the Knicks.
But according to Woj, Utah’s plan is to “retool the roster” around Mitchell.
The Jazz gathered six first-round picks in the past 24 hours, including 7-footer Walker Kessler, the 22nd overall pick in the 2022 Draft. The Jazz plan to retool the roster around All-Star G Donovan Mitchell.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 1, 2022
However, remember that Mitchell can request a trade. If he doesn’t want to be part of the Jazz’s rebuild, he can get out. He has three full years left on his current contract with a player option for 2025-26. New York has the assets to make a trade for him, but if Utah’s set on keeping him (and if Mitchell wants to stay), nothing’s going to come out of it.
And yes, it’d require giving up a mix of RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley, Obi Toppin, Quentin Grimes, and Cam Reddish. All of those players are 24 years and younger, but there’s also veterans Julius Randle, Evan Fournier, and Derrick Rose, who could be on the move as well. Danny Ainge isn’t going to get fleeced.
At the very least, though, Leon Rose should still reach out to Ainge. Making a phone call wouldn’t hurt. The Miami Heat, who have been linked to Mitchell, are probably doing the same thing.
If Mitchell isn’t satisfied with being part of a near future that won’t even lead to the first round of the playoffs, he’s going to want to go elsewhere, especially since he’s in his prime. The price may be far too steep for Leon’s comfort, but it’s an option that should be explored.
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