By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
After the blockbuster deal shifting French center Rudy Gobert to the Minnesota Timberwolves earlier in the offseason, the Utah Jazz can be looking to trade away Donovan Mitchell as well. They have begun discussions with the New York Knicks on a potential trade center for the explosive guard, according to The Athletic.
Mitchell, 25, was rumored to want out in view of a possible rebuild emerging in the Salt Lake City franchise. Talks surfacing in recent hours can lead him to the Knicks. The involved sides have been discussing a deal. And the Jazz are seeking more draft picks and younger players, as noted in the report.
The Jazz acquired Minnesota’s 2023, 2025, 2027 and 2029 first-round picks and a 2026 first-round pick swap along with Patrick Beverley, Malik Beasley, Jarred Vanderbilt, Leandro Bolmaro, and Walker Kessler. More picks coming in from New York would build an even stronger definition of the future clearly sitting on top of the list of priorities.
Coming out of Louisville, Mitchell was picked up with the 13th overall pick of the 2017 NBA draft. He has since received three All-Star Game nods while making his way to 384 NBA games, including 39 in the Playoffs. Packing career averages of 24.3 points, 4.5 assists, 4.2 rebounds, 1.3 steals, and 0.3 blocks shaped him as a franchise asset. But moving away from the Jazz for the first time in his career can become a reality prior to the 2022-23 NBA Regular Season.
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