When the Utah Jazz traded defensive anchor Rudy Gobert, many felt as if a Donovan Mitchell trade would soon follow. While Utah has maintained a willingness to re-tool around Mitchell, the organization is also reportedly fielding trade offers for their star guard.
The New York Knicks have continuously been the team many feel are best positioned to trade for Mitchell; however, Shams Charania of The Athletic recently reported that talks have “stalled” between the Jazz and Knicks.
In addition to this report, Shams revealed that the Charlotte Hornets and Washington Wizards are two new teams engaged with the Jazz on a Donovan Mitchell trade. From the beginning, the Knicks have been the primary team mentioned in connection to Mitchell, due to their plethora of trade-able draft picks. Shams mentions this in his report, but with talks currently stalled between New York and Utah, the Jazz have begun listening to teams such as the Wizards and Hornets.
What’s next for Utah?
There is a level of uncertainty surrounding the current direction of the Utah Jazz. Newly acquired guard Patrick Beverley expressed some of this during a recent Instagram live session, seemingly waiting for the organization to decide which direction they plan to go.
Should the Jazz keep Mitchell, the team would likely continue to remain competitive, avoiding an entire rebuild. If the organization feels as if treading the waters of mediocrity is no longer their preferred outcome, an entire rebuild could be ignited by dealing their star guard for a return highlighted by draft picks and young talent.
As implied by Patrick Beverley, a Donovan Mitchell trade would likely be the first of several moves for the Utah Jazz. With veterans like Beverley, Mike Conley, Malik Beasley, and others who have both trade value and a desire to win, the Jazz can entirely overhaul their roster following a Mitchell trade.
The logic for Charlotte and Washington
As it pertains to the reported interest that Donovan Mitchell has received from the Charlotte Hornets and Washington Wizards, the Jazz will have an opportunity to decide between numerous packages if they do indeed opt for a trade. The Wizards have continuously failed to build a winning team around Bradley Beal, and while a pairing with Donovan Mitchell is certainly questionable, it would at least signify an attempt from Washington to better Beal’s supporting cast.
Led by young star LaMelo Ball, the Charlotte Hornets are in less of a rush to build a contender. While the addition of Mitchell would likely place Charlotte firmly in playoff contention, the move would not transform them into a championship contender, making the asking price a tough one to meet.
As with each blockbuster trade, analysts and insiders across the league agree that a Donovan Mitchell deal will take time. If the Jazz are intent on trading their superstar guard, there is significant interest across the league. While that interest has been headlined by teams like the New York Knicks and Miami Heat, the Wizards and Hornets are the latest to get involved.
