NBA Rumors: New York Knicks 'turned off' by Danny Ainge's demand for 7 first rounders and players in exchange for Donovan Mitchell
The New York Knicks have reportedly been turned off by Utah Jazz CEO Danny Ainge's request for seven first-round picks and players in exchange for Donovan Mitchell. The Knicks are keen to land the three-time All-Star, but according to NY Post's Marc Berman, Utah's demand for a bevy of future assets is an issue for New York.
Berman reported that the Knicks are still trying to find ways to acquire Donovan Mitchell, but they are trying to do it in a team-friendly way. According to several sources, the Knicks were put off by Danny Ainge's initial demands. He asked for seven first-round picks, along with players. With that, talks died. Berman, however, said renewed negotiations have started.
The Knicks' main concern, according to Berman, is mortgaging their future by trying to win now. Giving away too many future assets could lead the team to a position where it won't be in championship contention.
REPORT: The Knicks were “turned off” by Danny Ainge’s initial demands of wanting a package of 7 first-round draft picks and players in return for Donovan Mitchell.
(via @NYPost_Berman, nypost.com/2022/08/20/don…) https://t.co/P63ndHmb8B
With the Knicks having eight tradeable first-round picks at their disposal, it makes them a frontrunner to land Donovan Mitchell. The Utah Jazz have shown their intention to commit to a rebuild by trading away Rudy Gobert and Royce O'Neale.
So draft picks and young players with tremendous upside are the only enticing assets they are looking for in the market in exchange for Mitchell. The New York Knicks have both. They have players like RJ Barrett, Quentin Grimes, Miles McBride, Obi Toppin and Immanuel Quickley, who could help facilitate a deal.
REPORT: The Jazz-Knicks deal was “close” on Tuesday night, but the Knicks ended up declining.
The Jazz reportedly wanted Immanuel Quickley, Obi Toppin, Quentin Grimes, Miles McBride, and 6 1st-round picks. 🤯🤯🤯
(via @tjonesonthenba) https://t.co/KxUOdLfsZx
Donovan Mitchell to New York Knicks makes sense, but he isn't a viable option if the team has to mortgage its entire future
The New York Knicks are looking at the big picture; to return to championship contention level. Acquiring Donovan Mitchell is a step forward, especially after they added a talent like Jalen Brunson.
However, Mitchell's acquisition doesn't guarantee the Knicks a shot at the title. They will still need another significant trade or two to make them a contending team. They will need the majority of their draft capital and young players to make future moves.
The New York Knicks are aware of this, and according to Berman's report, they project themselves to be a top-six team in the conference and win 47 games next campaign if they sign Mitchell.
Donovan Mitchell trade talks rekindled, but here's why #Knicks are wary of #Jazz offers #NBA nypost.com/2022/08/20/don…
The Knicks think they could be a viable second-round threat in the playoffs with Mitchell. If the deal does go through, the Knicks will have to make more moves to offer help to the backcourt of Mitchell and Brunson, and become a legitimate threat in the East.