NBA Trade Rumors: Utah Jazz adamant on landing former No. 3 pick in Donovan Mitchell trade
The Utah Jazz are rumored to be interested in acquiring RJ Barrett in a potential trade that will send Donovan Mitchell to the New York Knicks. SNY's Ian Begley reported that discussions between the Knicks and Jazz have more or less reached a "stalemate." This is primarily due to the assets Jazz GM Danny Ainge wants in return for Mitchell.
Ainge reportedly asked for four unprotected first-round picks and several young players in the package. However, the New York Knicks responded with a package that included Obi Toppin, Evan Fournier and a handful of picks. While Utah appear to be interested, they reportedly have their eyes set on rising star RJ Barrett.
The Jazz want a "significant" upgrade from what the Knicks are currently offering for Donovan Mitchell, per @ShamsCharania
The Knicks have offered Evan Fournier, Obi Toppin and five first-round picks for Mitchell https://t.co/EH0LVviN5s
Begley said that while other teams are in talks with Utah, the Knicks were in the "driver's seat."
"It's really the Knicks' trade to lose when you talk about Donovan Mitchell because they can offer the best package in a Mitchell trade. I think it's just a matter of are they willing to come up to Utah's asking price, can they get Utah to come down a bit from its current asking price to meet somewhere in the middle? Can they get a deal? And I think that's where we are with this thing."
However, Begley said another important name has emerged in potential trade negotiations.
"Big name here to watch for me is RJ Barrett. Because Utah certainly seeks RJ Barrett in a deal. There's a number of different permutations that I think are being discussed. Certainly Utah would like to get RJ Barrett back in the deal."
"Utah certainly seeks RJ Barrett in a deal...they would like to get Barrett back."
@IanBegley on where discussions stand with the Jazz and the Knicks on a Donovan Mitchell trade: on.sny.tv/t105e2a https://t.co/euIvkZ1WGy
Ian Begley said New York made their stance on trading the rising star known earlier in free agency. However, not everyone in the Knicks front office agrees.
Should the New York Knicks include RJ Barrett in trade negotiations for Donovan Mitchell?
As Begley mentioned, the Knicks front office is not necessarily on the same page regarding trading Barrett. Considering Barrett's performances last season, he appears to have the potential for growth. Barrett averaged 20 points, 5.8 rebounds and 3 assists per game.
A couple more moves from RJ Barrett in LA
📸:ig:uncutxremy https://t.co/My5awXfDnC
Considering his upside, the Knicks signed Barrett to a four-year deal worth just under $40 million, which could be a steal. However, when considering the possibility of acquiring an established young superstar in Donovan Mitchell, trading Barrett seems like a worthwhile risk.
There has been some speculation that Donovan Mitchell, when paired with Jalen Brunson, could lure more superstars to join New York.
The Knicks believe having Jalen Brunson and Donovan Mitchell would spur another star to join them in New York, per @NYPost_Berman https://t.co/QUyhpsRItH
While these are only rumors, it may benefit the Knicks to pursue Mitchell.