"Think about this, Rudy Gobert is a 3-time defensive player of the year, a future Hall of Famer" - Kendrick Perkins willing to bet the farm that Donovan Mitchell will be traded
Donovan Mitchell's future has been the subject of intense speculation this offseason. Although the Utah Jazz were initially unwilling to trade him, reports have suggested that the three-time All-Star could be on his way out.
The 25-year-old is one of the most dynamic young guards in the league. He, along with Rudy Gobert, played an integral role in transforming the Jazz's fortunes. However, after failing time and again to make deep playoff runs, the Utah Jazz seem set for a rebuild. They've already parted ways with Gobert and Mitchell could follow him out the door.
Former NBA player Kendrick Perkins believes the Jazz will most certainly trade Donovan Mitchell. Speaking on NBA Today, he said:
"Looking at Danny Ainge, I thought this was the last opportunity for Utah Jazz to prove something not only to him but to the ownership group. When you talk about Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert right, think about this Rudy Gobert is a three-time defensive player of the year, a future Hall of Famer in my eye, still got a lot of prime left and you trade him, one of the franchise center pieces.
"He's {Danny Ainge} about to blow the whole thing. Donovan Mitchell will be traded at some point of this season, I'm willing to bet everything I own and have in the bank account, that he will be gone from the Utah Jazz."
Gobert has already found a new home in Minnesota. Mitchell, on the other hand, has been linked with a move to the New York Knicks.
The Jazz and Knicks have started talks on a potential Donovan Mitchell trade, per @ShamsCharania and @Tjonesonthenba
Utah is focused on "obtaining draft picks” and there are no "untouchable players" currently on the roster https://t.co/Ev7rBraO6E
Is Donovan Mitchell a right fit with the New York Knicks?
The New York Knicks have already made a big move this offseason by bringing in Jalen Brunson. However, they seem to have a few more tricks up their sleeve. According to recent reports, Mitchell, 25, could be on his way to the Madison Square Garden.
"It's finally happening! ... Leon Rose has been acquiring picks to send to Danny Ainge. The long drought in New York is about to be over. Mr. Guaranteed Playoffs is coming to New York! I've got Donovan Mitchell jerseys ready to go." — @kevinwildes https://t.co/ggcXsIq87l
With Jalen Brunson playing as the primary guard, Mitchell could certainly prosper. His ability to shoot the ball and make big plays would help him flourish in a side like the Knicks.
“Donovan Mitchell is too short”🙄😂 https://t.co/jhAWw05Whb
One problem that the Knicks have to address is their defense. Giving up a player like Nerlens Noel could come back to haunt them. As good as Donovan Mitchell and Brunson are, they cannot be relied on to defend consistently. RJ Barrett and Randle would be vital in that regard, but the team needs a few more role players to stay competitive.
"Knicks have eight tradable first round picks and a need and a desire for a star player like Donovan Mitchell. Some people believe this is an inevitability…I think we're going to hear a lot about Mitchell and the New York Knicks in the coming days."
- Brian Windhorst
(@RealGM) https://t.co/eXIXk3JjOK
Playing in a city like New York would be great for Mitchell. Whether or not a move materializes remains to be seen.