NBA Trade Rumors: New York Knicks preparing trade package for 3x All-Star to bolster backcourt
The New York Knicks are reportedly attempting to acquire Donovan Mitchell via trade from the Utah Jazz.
After trading Rudy Gobert, the Utah Jazz were initially reluctant to entertain offers for Mitchell as they planned to build the team around him.
General manager Justin Zanik suggested that there was "no intent" to trade Donovan Mitchell, but the situation has apparently changed.
Utah's Justin Zanik on chances of a Donovan Mitchell trade... https://t.co/o2q4z4QQHX
The Athletic's Tony Jones shed light on a possible move for Mitchell to New York.
Expect the New York Knicks to quickly try and put together a package for Donovan Mitchell, according to league sources. Utah’s bar for Trading Mitchell is sky high. But the Knicks are the team that has the assets to make this a conversation
"Expect the New York Knicks to quickly try and put together a package for Donovan Mitchell, according to league sources. Utah’s bar for Trading Mitchell is sky high. But the Knicks are the team that has the assets to make this a conversation," he tweeted.
The New York Knicks cleared cap space for Jalen Brunson by cutting and trading players. However, they may find it difficult to do the same for Mitchell. The $30 million owed to the Jazz star this season would be a massive hit to New York's cap space as they are already in luxury tax territory.
The Jazz, meanwhile, are seeking draft picks to facilitate their rebuild. They acquired several in the Gobert trade. With five first-round picks in the next two years, the Knicks have some assets that could appeal to Utah.
New York Knicks' pursuit of Donovan Mitchell may open doors for Kevin Durant
Kevin Durant is in a sticky situation as his trade value has become a deterrent for potential suitors. But according to Adrian Wojnarowski, Donovan Mitchell being on the market may open doors for Durant.
.@wojespn on the Jazz now listening to trade offers for Donovan Mitchell:
"This is a player coveted by numerous teams. And certainly when you see a trade market that includes Kevin Durant, players of that caliber, all of a sudden it can possibly open up multi-team scenarios." https://t.co/FcNzjMTq1w
"This is a player coveted by numerous teams. And certainly when you see a trade market that includes Kevin Durant, players of that caliber, all of a sudden it can possibly open up multi-team scenarios."
The Nets are still looking for landing spots for their superstar, who requested a trade a few weeks ago. A multi-team deal involving Mitchell and Durant is realistically the only way both players can find find new teams this offseason.