Daily Knicks
Fansided

Knicks watching Jazz’s grand plan failing after Donovan Mitchell trade is gratifying

By Jordanna Clark

SALT LAKE CITY UT- OCTOBER 26: Danny Ainge, CEO of the Utah Jazz, watches warm-up before their game against the Houston Rockets at the Vivint Arena on October 26, 2022 in Salt Lake City Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Chris Gardner/ Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY UT- OCTOBER 26: Danny Ainge, CEO of the Utah Jazz, watches warm-up before their game against the Houston Rockets at the Vivint Arena on October 26, 2022 in Salt Lake City Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Chris Gardner/ Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

In what was initially supposed to be a nationally televised game, the New York Knicks are in Utah to take on the 10-5 Jazz. After Donovan Mitchell was traded to the Cavaliers at the beginning of September, the Knicks-Jazz game was replaced with Nets-Kings.

Before trading Mitchell, Utah sent Rudy Gobert to Minnesota in exchange for five players and five picks. That deal helped to set the stage for a Mitchell trade in which Cleveland sent three players and five picks to the Jazz. The belief was that the New York native would end up on the Knicks, but Danny Ainge’s high asking price was enough to keep Leon Rose and the front office away.

And in an unexpected turn of events, Utah has started the 2022-23 season as one of the best teams in the league. Before dropping two games against the Wizards and Sixers over the weekend, the Jazz were 10-3 and sat atop the Western Conference. Entering tonight’s game against New York, Utah is third in the West behind Portland and Denver. With the Victor Wembanyama sweepstakes on the line, the Jazz could find themselves out of the running if they continue to play at a high level.

Utah owns 13 first-round picks and three additional pick swaps, which is a great position to be in as a rebuilding organization. However, the Jazz’s roster certainly isn’t playing like a rebuilding team. How does Danny Ainge feel about all of this?

Danny Ainge claims that he’s ‘pleasantly surprised’ by the Jazz’s hot start

The Jazz CEO told Sports Illustrated that he isn’t dissatisfied with the way that Utah has started the season, but that instead, he’s impressed.

"“Not that each individual couldn’t play well,” Ainge says. “I like a lot of the players on our team. But the fact that they’ve jelled so well so early is fun. There is a lot of movement and a lot of guys moving the ball. That’s a fun way to play. And I think they’re all enjoying it very much.”"

It’s a long season, so Utah likely won’t be able to sustain this level of success for five more months, but never say never, right? The Jazz might not be able to select Wembanyama or even Scoot Henderson in the 2023 NBA Draft, but that isn’t something that seems to be bothering Ainge.

He hinted to SI’s Chris Mannix that Utah could be buyers ahead of the trade deadline, and not sellers. Knowing Ainge though, the Jazz will try to offload players like Lauri Markkanen and Jordan Clarkson, and he’ll get more in return for them than any other team in the NBA could. After all, the Knicks weren’t willing to give up a third unprotected pick and Ainge didn’t budge. Instead, he turned to the Cavaliers and got what he wanted.

Based on how Mitchell has looked in Cleveland, maybe New York’s front office should’ve been willing to give Ainge what he wanted. At least Knicks fans can find some amusement in the Jazz’s unexpected start, even if Ainge has said that he’s pleased with his team. It doesn’t look as if Wembanyama will be landing in Utah, or so we think…

Home/Knicks News