“Change is inevitable in the NBA,” Jazz GM Justin Zanik said during a press conference Saturday, via ESPN. “I’m not trying to be cryptic or anything, but Donovan is on our roster and he’s a very, very important part of what we’re trying to do. Things evolve in the NBA, so I couldn’t sit here and say it is [untouchable]. We are trying to build a championship team, but there is no intention [to trade Mitchell]not at all.” Check the opt-in box to confirm you want to join.
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Earlier this month, the Jazz made a blockbuster move that sent Rudy Gobert to the Minnesota Timberwolves in exchange for Malik Beasley, Patrick Beverley, Jarred Vanderbilt, Leandro Bolmaro, Walker Kessler’s No. 22 pick and four first-round picks — three of which are unprotected in 2023, 2025 and 2027. That trade, among other moves like parting ways with longtime coach Quin Snyder and trading Royce O’Neale to the Brooklyn Nets for a first-round pick, seemed to signal a rebuild in Utah. However, to completely tear things down and start over, they need to trade Mitchell as well. While the Jazz are still a little tentative, it now looks like it will happen sooner rather than later. The question, though, is which team will be willing to pay the price? Mitchell is coming off a disappointing playoff appearance, but is still a 25-year-old three-time All-Star who finished 13th in the league in scoring last season at 25.9 points per game. The Jazz are going to set a steep asking price, especially after the traction they got on the Gobert deal. At least one highly rated young player plus draft picks would seem a likely starting point. One possible destination for Mitchell is Madison Square Garden. The New York Knicks have been linked to the guard on and off in recent years and are expected to make an offer, according to Tony Jones. After trading up from the lottery and signing Jalen Brunson in free agency, the Knicks have signaled that they want to be competitive and return to the playoffs. A Brunson-Mitchell backcourt would be interesting, and the Knicks have the capital and prospects to make a compelling offer. Another team to watch out for is the Miami Heat, who have expressed interest, according to Ira Winderman. They could really use another scorer to go along with Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo, and we know Pat Riley is always aggressive. But Riley isn’t on good terms with Jazz president Danny Ainge, and it’s unclear whether a deal centered around Tyler Herro — Miami’s best new trade chip — would be enough. Whether Mitchell ends up in New York, Miami or another location, the fact that two teams have already been identified as suitors is an indication that he is attracting a lot of interest around the league. And for good reason. Players of his age and ability don’t come around that often.
