In terms of a Donovan Mitchell trade, league sources believe it’s a matter of “when and not if,” with Mitchell eventually asking to go to a “glamour market” like New York or Miami. However, there is skepticism that it will happen in the short term.
“Change is inevitable in the NBA,” Jazz GM Justin Zanik said during a news conference Saturday, via ESPN. “I’m not trying to be cryptic or anything else, but Donovan is on our roster and he’s a very, very important part of what we’re trying to do. Things evolve in the NBA, so I couldn’t sit here and say anybody is [untouchable]. We’re trying to build a championship team, but there’s no intent [to trade Mitchell], at all.”
After previously shutting down inquiries on moving All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell, rival teams say the Utah Jazz are showing a willingness to listen on possible trade scenarios, sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 12, 2022
According to Shams Charania and Tony Jones of The Athletic, the Jazz and Knicks are discussing a trade that would send Donovan Mitchell to New York. The Knicks have several future first-round picks and young players to offer for the three-time All-Star, including second-year guard Quentin Grimes, who the Jazz are reportedly interested in, according to The Athletic. Grimes was the No. 25 overall pick in the 2021 draft, shot 38.1 percent from three-point range as a rookie while playing solid defense, and has had a strong Summer League performance in Las Vegas this week.
According to our sources, the Jazz are considering multiple offers, but the Knicks have emerged as the “focused destination.” According to Charania and Jones, both teams have discussed the framework of a deal in the last 24 hours.
