NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 20: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz dribbles against RJ Barrett #9 of the New York Knicks during the second half at Madison Square Garden on March 20, 2022 in New York City. The Jazz won 108-93. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
The Knicks may no longer be the frontrunner to land Donovan Mitchell
After reports that the Utah Jazz and New York Knicks were no longer discussing a trade involving superstar Donovan Mitchell, it looked like the offseason would end quietly for the Jazz. That was until a few days ago when a bomb was dropped: after weeks of no contact, the Jazz and Knicks had reentered trade discussions and the odds of Mitchell staying with the Jazz were dropping every day.
Since then, it’s seemed like the Jazz and Knicks were close to making a deal. That was three days ago, and no more reports have emerged.
Utah Jazz: Could another team enter the fray for Donovan Mitchell?
The J-Notes have covered possible trade situations with the Sixers, Nets, Kings, Wizards, Heat, Lakers, and Hornets, but it has been clear all along that the Knicks were the frontrunners to land Mitchell. Anything else was just speculation. That was until last night when talk radio host Andy Larsen suggested that other teams have thrown their hat in the ring, and the Jazz are seriously intrigued.
Apparently, the Jazz have received several real offers from various other teams that they like just as much as the Knicks’ offer. Now, the details of these offers have not been leaked yet, so it could just be smoke and mirrors. That being said, it looks like the Knicks are still the frontrunner.
“The Knicks are willing to offer 4-5 picks, the Jazz is asking for six. The Jazz are interested in RJ Barrett…the Jazz are not as interested in RJ Barrett as the Knicks are interested in RJ Barrett…I think it’s pretty clear that both teams want this deal done” -Andy Larsen
Six picks is an absolute haul for Utah, and I really doubt that the Knicks want to part with a franchise cornerstone to try and compete in a loaded Eastern Conference, but stranger things have happened. If the Knicks and Jazz can’t make a deal before the season starts, I would expect the young star to be playing somewhere else by opening night.
