The Knicks pursuit of Jazz shooting guard Donovan Mitchell has hit a roadblock, as 6 other teams have entered trade discussions regarding the 25-year-old Utah star.
According to reports, the Atlanta Hawks, Charlotte Hornets, Miami Heat, Sacramento Kings, Toronto Raptors and Washington Wizard have all held discussions with the Jazz front office surrounding Mitchell — which dims the likelihood of bringing the All-Star to New York.
Utah has entered a rebuilding process after they traded center Rudy Robert to the Timberwolves in exchange for a plethora of draft picks, and NBA insiders believe that Mitchell is the next domino to fall.
The Knicks were linked to trades surrounding the 25-year-old after they signed free agent point guard Jalen Brunson, and the front office reportedly engaged Utah in talks about a potential deal, which would give them a strong young backcourt heading into next season.
Mitchell has played 5 seasons in the NBA, and averaged 25.9 points, 5.3 assists and 4.2 rebounds over 33.8 minutes in 67 games last season. He has been named to 3 All-Star games, and has propelled the Jazz to the playoffs each year of his professional career.
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New York could offer Utah a large haul of draft picks, as they own 9 first-rounders over the next 5 drafts, as well as young assets like Obi Toppin, Immanuel Quickley and Quentin Grimes.
Widespread reports suggest the team is unwilling to part with fan-favorite forward RJ Barrett in a deal for Mitchell.
Now, though, with several teams in the mix vying for Mitchell’s services, the Knicks front office, lead by general manager Leon Rose, will need to move quickly if they want to acquire the shooting guard.
Mitchell has 3 years remaining on his current contract, so the Jazz are in no rush to move the star, and could wait longer for the best offer available.
They will likely attempt to move him before the season starts, as they are reportedly interested in losing enough games to be in the mix for a top-tier draft selection next year — which will see a number of talented players enter the NBA, led by French phenom Victor Wembanyama.
The 6 other teams in the running for Mitchell also have a number of assets to move, though New York has uncharacteristically retained tons of future assets, and have one of the most loaded arsenals of young players and picks to offer in any potential trade.
Pairing Mitchell with Brunson, Barrett and whatever assets remain on the roster after a deal would make the Knicks an instant playoff contender, and give fans reason for optimism for the first time in several years.
The process may take weeks, or even months, to resolve itself — but recent reports add urgency to the situation for any Knicks fan hoping to see Mitchell wearing blue and orange next year.
