It seems that Donovan Mitchell’s trade for the Knicks is more than a pipe dream.
Just over 24 hours after news leaked that the rebuilding Jazz had been listening to the performances of the All-Star Ranger three times, The Athletic reported Wednesday night that the Knicks had engaged Utah in talks about Mitchell. The Jazz team is still talking to the other teams, but the Knicks have become the “focused destination” in recent days.
On paper, the deal is a no-brainer.
Mitchell is the difference maker at just 25 years old. A native of New York who understands the pressure that comes with playing for the Knicks, he is represented by CAA, Knicks agency president, Leon Rose. He even has an affair with Nick’s newest, Jalen Bronson, due to a close mutual friend, NBA free agent Eric Paschal.
But connections alone won’t get done this time, not like courting Bronson, a former Mavericks star who signed on as a free agent. To land Mitchell, it would take a long way. That could mean franchise RJ Barrett and other young players, like Quentin Grimes. This will likely mean several draft picks in the first round.
As much as Rose and Nick Mitchell want, The price can be exorbitant.
Remember, Jazz recently received four first-round picks (three unprotected) and a selective trade-off from Timberwolves for Rudy Gobert, a strong player but not nearly as valuable as Mitchell.
They also got featured players Patrick Beverly, owner Beasley and Jared Vanderbilt, along with the 20th overall pick in this year’s draft, Walker Kessler Center, in the mega deal.
The Knicks have 11 first-round picks over the next seven years, and the Jazz are said to be interested in collecting draft picks.
