SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - MARCH 31: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz looks on during the second half of a game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Vivint Smart Home Arena on March 31, 2022 in Salt Lake City, Utah. 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 Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)
Latest Donovan Mitchell trade update doesn’t reveal much for Knicks fans
For the past few weeks, there hasn’t been anything new reported about the New York Knicks’ pursuit of Donovan Mitchell because trade talks with the Utah Jazz had stalled. But now, according to The Athletic’s Shams Charania and Tony Jones (subscription required), the two teams recently reconnected and spoke about a trade for the three-time All-Star.
Obviously, nothing substantial came out of those talks, or else Mitchell would be a Knick by now. However, it’s a good sign that the two teams struck up trade talks again, but reportedly there’s still “no traction between the two teams on a deal” (per The Athletic).
So while it’s still news that the two teams spoke again, nothing came of it, as there’s still not a clear update on what Mitchell’s future is going to look like. The 25-year-old still has three guaranteed years left on his contract with the Jazz, but with Utah trading Rudy Gobert to the Minnesota Timberwolves, the belief is that Mitchell will be next.
The Knicks and Jazz connected again about a potential Donovan Mitchell trade
As August fades into September, the expectation is that if a Donovan Mitchell trade happens, it’ll likely take place closer to training camp.
The Jazz have reportedly been in contact with other teams such as the Washington Wizards and the Charlotte Hornets, but the Knicks have the most to give up in order to land Mitchell. The guard also has ties to New York’s organization, such as his relationship with associate head coach Johnnie Bryant.
Mitchell hasn’t requested a trade, and according to The Athletic, he is “believed to be comfortable with either outcome of staying with the Jazz or being traded elsewhere.” Even before the offseason began, there were whispers of Mitchell leaving Utah, with the Knicks being the most likely destination for the guard. That still seems to be the case.
Although it’s good news that New York and Utah re-engaged in conversations, it’s clear that a trade won’t be happening anytime in the very near future. Danny Ainge’s asking price is still sky high, which is what has kept Mitchell on the Jazz’s roster over the past several weeks.
Hopefully, by next month there will be more to report. And maybe you’ll get a ‘Donovan Mitchell to the Knicks’ notification on your phone sometime around training camp, which is set to begin at the end of September. Good things come to those who wait, right?
