3 reasons why a Knicks-Donovan Mitchell trade will likely happen
2: Jazz reportedly don’t have traction with other teams
After it was reported that RJ Barrett was finalizing an extension with the Knicks on Monday night, the Donovan Mitchell trade conversation shifted towards the Miami Heat being Utah’s best avenue for a deal.
Mitchell reportedly listed the Heat as one of his three preferred trade destinations, but according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Jazz have zero traction with other teams (including Miami) in trade talks.
Donovan Mitchell trade update from @wojespn on @GetUpESPN:
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) August 30, 2022
- RJ Barrett was indeed the centerpiece of trade discussions between Jazz and Knicks
- Jazz covet unprotected draft picks from New York
- Utah has no traction with other teams
- Jazz still value Barrett after extension pic.twitter.com/aBlIz0gFS3
So no, the Jazz and Heat aren’t working on finalizing a deal now that the poison pill provision makes including RJ Barrett in a deal difficult. Things seem to still be coming down to Utah and New York with the possibility that a third team could be looped into a deal.
The Jazz are reportedly hoping to acquire four unprotected first-round picks, although that’s something that the Knicks reportedly aren’t willing to do. Ainge has shopped around to try and see if he can get what he’s looking for elsewhere, but the discussion has continued to circle back to New York. There’s a reason for that.
The belief remains that the Knicks will be the team to trade for Donovan Mitchell, so at this point, the Jazz are delaying the inevitable.