Knicks’ latest Donovan Mitchell trade offer reportedly not enough for Jazz
The New York Knicks and Donovan Mitchell saga continues. After New York and the Utah Jazz didn’t communicate with one another for a few weeks, trade talks are reportedly back on. With training camp set to begin in a little over a month, the three-time All-Star could be traded in the coming weeks.
If Danny Ainge’s asking price wasn’t absurdly high, perhaps a trade would’ve happened by now. Utah reportedly is interested in getting as many as six first-round picks, but New York is reportedly only willing to offer four or five. The Jazz got five players (including the No. 22 pick in the 2022 NBA Draft), four first-round picks, and a pick swap in exchange for Rudy Gobert from the Minnesota Timberwolves, and the expectation seems to be that Utah wants a larger haul for Mitchell.
The Knicks haven’t caved to the Jazz’s demands, which is a good thing. An All-Star making his way to New York would be monumental for the direction that the franchise is headed in, but the front office shouldn’t be willing to give up nearly everything.
And based on the Knicks’ recent reported offer (subscription required), Leon Rose and Co. are still playing it safe.
Also on Inside Pass at @TheAthletic: Knicks and Jazz remain in discussions about a potential deal sending Donovan Mitchell to New York — including details from myself and @Tjonesonthenba regarding a recent offer:https://t.co/hprnn3hXj1
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) August 22, 2022
Knicks reportedly offered a package to the Jazz that included Obi Toppin and Evan Fournier
According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, here’s what New York’s latest offer to Utah consisted of:
"New York made a recent offer of Evan Fournier, Obi Toppin, additional salary and two unprotected first-round draft picks (five total), league sources tell me and The Athletic’s Tony Jones. The Jazz’s asking price has been more significant than that."
As Charania wrote, the Jazz have made it clear that they want more than that. Reportedly, Utah’s shown interest in acquiring Quentin Grimes in a possible deal, but according to a piece that went up on the New York Post on Saturday, the belief around the league is that Tom Thibodeau would rather give up RJ Barrett in a deal over Grimes.
It’s obvious that there’s still quite a bit of reluctance on the Knicks’ part to give up a lot (as in what the Jazz are looking for) to acquire Mitchell, but it’s evident that New York wants to find a way to get him. That’s the dilemma.
With trade talks back on, hopefully the two sides can come to terms on a deal before the start of training camp. Please.
