Rumors continue to emerge regarding Donovan Mitchell trade talks involving the Jazz and Knicks, but little progress has been made, according to Tony Jones of the Athletic. Appearing Friday on the HoopsHype podcast with Michael Scotto, Jones was pessimistic that a deal will get done soon.
“I don’t think the two sides are close. I don’t think they have been close,” Jones said. “We’ll see what happens as the urgency of training camp looms. The Jazz want what they want, which is picks out of this deal, and they want young guys on short or rookie contracts.”
Knicks players who fit that definition include Obi Toppin, Quentin Grimes and Immanuel Quickley, but New York has been unwilling to part with significant young talent in addition to substantial draft assets. Jones said keeping Grimes is a priority for the Knicks, along with veteran guard Derrick Rose, who is a longtime favorite of coach Tom Thibodeau.
“The sense I get right now is it’s probably not going to happen on an imminent level,” Jones added. “The two sides aren’t close. To me, I think if it’s going to happen, it’s going to happen closer to training camp or the start of the season. If it doesn’t happen then, we’ll see what happens closer to the February trade deadline.”
There are more Jazz-related notes from the podcast:
- Matching Mitchell’s salary of $30.35MM for next season becomes trickier if Rose’s $14.52MM contract isn’t involved. Scotto notes that Utah doesn’t want to take on long-term money, which eliminates Julius Randle ($23.76MM) and Evan Fournier ($18MM). Jones said the Jazz don’t have any interest in adding Randle and “I’m not sure there’s much of an appetite for (Cam) Reddish ($5.95MM).” He adds that the Jazz would rather keep Mitchell and hold onto a possible $36-$40MM in cap room for next summer than accept unwanted salary.
- Looking at the rest of the roster, Jones believes Utah can easily find deals for Bojan Bogdanovic, Jarred Vanderbilt and Patrick Beverley if the team decides to move them before the start of the season. He thinks there’s less of a market for Mike Conley, Jordan Clarkson and Malik Beasley.
- Udoka Azubuike may have the inside track to be the starting center if Utah trades Mitchell and commits to a youth movement, Jones adds. Sources tell Jones that Azubuike has been working with coaches in Salt Lake City all summer and has been showing improvement. First-round pick Walker Kessler would also be in the mix for the starting job. If the Jazz keep Mitchell and try to make the playoffs, Jones expects them to find a more experienced center in free agency.
Right about now I want to remind all the geniuses. Who didn’t understand what a rebuild looks like. Why you accumulate picks. And sign players to two and three yr contracts. I get most haters are not NBA fans. But frustrated souls with only hate in their hearts. And just have to vent on a board. Things they could never say to another man in his face.
So this is for you. I’m thinking of you. Feeling sorry for you. Hoping you choke when Mitchell is a Knick ……..
Once again you have shown your aptitude for this game. A game I love and will protect. From fools like you. Year three of the Rebuild has just Begun. Get informed
link to youtu.be
It’s just begun …… watch me Now
Ok Alex Jones…
You’re getting ahead of yourself. A rebuild can’t happen until AFTER they trade Donovan. The report above is making even more clear that the Jazz aren’t anywhere close to trading him.
It doesn’t matter to me if it’s a rebuild or a retool. I just want the Jazz to commit. Although, they likely have already and they’re just testing the market just in case. Regardless, it is clear so far that they’re not going to be forced in either scenario. Just be patient.
The Jazz are openly shopping Donovan. It means he’s gone. It also means it’s a full rebuild. Which after Rudy trade. Frankly should be done. Forget the Knicks. I’m not a self serving poster …….
There is no way Donovan is going to play for Jazz now. It may take awhile. Simply cause Ainge is going to hold out. But the whole point of moving Rudy and Donovan. Is to have a shot at Wembanyama. And a shot at real talent in next yrs draft.
For this to happen. Jazz have to be top three in draft. Meaning worst team in NBA. That’s not happening with Donovan playing. Knicks are Donovan’s home town team. Knicks have the picks Ainge wants. It’s a waiting game he will loose. Top three picks next yr will all be major stars.
Jazz have already committed to that.
In the old days Dolan (Knicks) owner. Would have stepped in. And gave Jazz the 7 picks plus players. Rose and Thibs are not giving away players or assets. They know even with Donovan. Knicks still need pieces. And need to move Randle. There are no other real suitors out there except the Knicks. Unless somehow Jazz can get in on KD trade as a three way. It only looks like NY to me. Ainge time is running out.
Seems pretty simple then, and that get the Lakers involved….
Lakers: Mike Conley, Evan Fouriner and Jordan Clarkson
Jazz: Russell Westbrook, Quientin Grimes, Obi Toppin, Max Christie and 5 firsts (4 Knicks and 1 Lakers)
Knicks: Donovan Mitchell
Jazz don’t take back any long term unwanted money instead they get Russ on a huge expiring contract. They also get a bunch of young players and picks. Grimes, Toppin and Christie plus 5 firsts.
Knicks do unfortunately have to give up Grimes however they get to keep the rest of the their young players (Reddish, IQ, McBride, Sims and Keels). They don’t have to give up DRose for salary matching and instead Fouriner leaves which opens up the starting spot for Mitchell.
Lakers benefit hugely, they grab 2 players from the Jazz who reportedly have smaller markets (Conley and Clarkson), and they get Evan Fouriner. It does cost them a first but moving off Russ should be the team’s priority and that’s just the cost of that. Conley is a dependable starter, Fouriner would prove himself to be a good team mate and Clarkson will continue to thrive in a bench role.
Lakers after this deal should then look to trade away Kendrick Nunn as they would have a bunch of guards and then lastly sign Tristan Thompson for the vets min.
Sounds crazy but if I’m the Knicks the next thing I do is trade Julius Randle and Cam Reddish for Jonothan Issacs, Terrance Ross and RJ Hampton.
Knicks then line up Brunson Mitchell Barrett Issacs Robinson. Hopefully Issacs defence can be a huge addition and Mitchell can protect the rim. Hampton I think would love to be in NY and learn from DRose Mitchell and play under Thibs. And Ross is perfect for impact off the bench.
Magic would be adding one of the best PFs. They need to decide on a backcourt but Paolo Franz and Randle would be a great forward rotation.
Not to mention Reddish for depth is a great pick up.
If your the Jazz it’s just about trading what you have left for more picks. Beverly Beasley Bojan Rudy Gay. Then just giving the kids a chance to shine with the ball and hoping for the best. Toppin will prove to be a solid investment.
I think it works for Jazz. I’m just not sold on giving away Toppin. I’d rather explore other way. But if you back me Into a wall. I might might not. I really want to keep Toppin I really do and move Randle. Start Toppin at PF
I really believe he is ready for this. Unfortunately I’m not 100% sure Knicks feel the same way.
I feel the same way. Obi is ready to step in.
You’re both delusional. Jazz never go for that trade. The Jazz would do better by separating them into smaller trades.
You Lakers always want something for nothing. Try again.
I agree I really rate Toppin and have done ever since college however in order to get one of the best players in his position you have to give up guys you like.
With the Knicks draft record (Ntilikina, Know, etc etc) and the lack of good players they are giving up I actually with getting Donovan Mitchell for that price would be a steal.
Especially considering you have 4 first round draft picks in 2023 (your own, Dallas, Washington and Detroit) and in 2025 you also have Milwaukes.
I’d give up your own 2023, Dallas 2023, and your own 2025 and Milwaukes 2025. You still have 2 picks this upcoming draft, have your own pick next year and 2025 is the only year you won’t have a first.
I don’t think the Lakers take that deal even if they don’t have to give up a pick in all honesty but they are on the desperate side so who knows
Longer this goes better for Knicks and Lakers
Danny wants to scorch the Earth. He’ll wait till the Td if he has to but I believe DM is moving in the end and probably before the season starts with Knicks def the favorite but not the only possibility to land him. Think I just missed 3 commas and 2 periods in that last sentence
Waiting till TD. Will backfire. Cause Jazz need to be in worst three teams race. Whole point of blowing it up. Is getting a top three pick and a shot at Wembanyama.
As a Knicks person I like that the narrative has somehow swung to “Well, IDK if we should give up GRIMES or TOPPIN…” when a month ago it would have seemed inconceivable to do a DM deal without RJ in there
Reality is Knicks are going to have to give up some young dudes, and I guess I’m fine with it if it means sending out 4 picks instead of 5 or 6
There are only (2) minor issues I see with this, and they both reside in LA
1. If the Lakers are hellbent on Kyrie and think they’ll ultimately need both 1sts to wiggle him loose then they might be hesitant to do a like this, at least until the Kyrie ship has officially sailed
2. If I was Pelinka might push for Bogdo instead of Conley. Mike has had a great career but at 36 I’m not sure how much he has left in the tank—
Mike Conley is only 34. People need to chill on his age. Lol
Ok fair— he’s 34 NOW. But this will be his age 35 season, so I guess we’re both off by one.
Either way, point stands: he’s a small point guard in his mid-30s with declining production. With the exception of Chris Paul that’s never reversed course
Congrats for doing a comprehensive Virtual GM assignment … but Who Wants RANDLE ? … Not the Orlando Magic … much less trading him for JONATHAN ISSACS (after the team investing over $40 M of good money thrown away just patiently waiting for him to come back (if ever)…I feel that part of your trade equation is Weak.
Now some real thoughts.
I’m about 95% sure DM is coming to NY. What I’m not sure about is. Who they will give up. Jazz move Mitchell. They don’t want to be good next yr. I’m sure they’d rather be bad for two yrs. Definitely for next yrs draft. So They don’t want an RJ who is gonna be due a new contract. But would they want Toppin. I’m not giving up Obi1. I’d rather give up Mitch. Quickley, Grimes I can part with. Cause DM will start. So Rose and McBride can backup.
I just hope there is a way Randle can be moved to a third team. To make this trade happen. I know Jazz don’t want Randle. But someone could get Randle cheap here. Jazz can get another pick. Getting Mitchell is a great move. But he can’t come here and play with Randle. The drama Queens time in NY is up. Randle has to be moved someway somehow. I thought Dallas was best place, his hometown. But now with Wood there. I don’t see that happening. Randle is the issue for the Knicks this yr. Don’t want to see him opening day.
Who aggressively pursues Westbrook, Knicks or Jazz?
What are Knicks and Jazz expectation?
If Jazz are shopping Mitchell. Then it only means it’s a full rebuild. Next yrs draft is very good top 10. Plus top three players should be stars.
Knicks are just tying to become a playoff team. Still building. Most don’t understand how difficult it is to rebuild in NY. Especially the Knicks with Dolan as owner.
Why would the Knicks want Westbrook?
Westbrook is in last year of his contract ($46 million) and it free’s up $ next year for free agents. It’s possible the Lakers take back Randle and Fournier for Westbrook. I would look in to getting a #1 draft pick back also from the Lakers, if I was the Knicks. Trader Danny has to calm down with asking for 6 #1 draft picks that’s not happening. The Knicks can offer 3#1’s and a Lakers #1 along with Rose, Grimes, and Reddish for Mitchell. If the Jazz say no, then the Knicks should just move on already.
Id like too see this get done for no other reason than getting to watch all the seagulls flock to Utah to pick all the meat off the bone
I think Danny wants this too from all accounts; he’s just maintaining leverage today (as best he can).
Sometimes the greater fear for a team like NYK is a different team swooping in other than themselves and getting DM rather than Danny actually loosening his demands later (he will) . So far I haven’t heard of that team but I bet Ainge wish it existed
We are having a good ole fashion stare down Rn
Yup. I think there was some “report” a week or so ago about teams like Sacramento and Atlanta having “inquired” about Mitchell, which I took to be exactly what you noted above—Danny trying to make a mirage of market that doesn’t really seem to be there, at least right now
There is one team that I think would make some sense—OKC
I get they’re in the 20 year timeline over there, but Presti literally has more picks than he can possibly use and if Danny wants picks and more picks then….
Combining SGA with Mitchell, then depending how quickly Giddey and Chet develop, I mean, that could be a fun team
Utah has absolutely NO reason to have a sense of urgency. Donovan Mitchell is going to put up monster numbers. His trade value will go up. Utah got overpaid for Gobert. They are in a great position to get overpaid for Mitchell and Vanderbilt, and will be able to stockpile a lot of assets quickly. It will still be a long rebuild until they find a couple of bona fide stars, but they are on the right path by blowing it up.
If the Knicks struggle early in the season …. Which could very well happen …. The pressure will get ramped up to make a deal. Utah will ultimately get MORE than what they are offering now from the Knicks.
Wembanyama is there next yr for the taking ……… you get a shot at him only next year. Or Scoot Henderson, Dariq Whitehead. All three could be major. You have no shot at this major talent. If you finish 4th or worse. Mitchell is gone. Ainge is putting all his chips on the draft.
That’s one possibility—but it’s a double edged sword no?
Another possibility is Randle bounces back, Brunson thrives in an expanded role, and RJ continues to develop and the Knicks are actually better than expected with Thibs squeezing out wins as he’s prone to do…
In that scenario, assuming NYK still had interest, their offer would no doubt be LOWER. And who’s the second team that’s even interested in Mitchell now?
Finally, Al’s point below is solid. It’s a race to the bottom this year—Mitchell is actually good enough that even for a quarter of the season he could screw Utah’s lottery odds.
So I would argue Danny has as much if not more incentive to get the Mitchell thing done before training camp than Rose & Co do.
I think they will take the better package over a couple extra lottery balls
If they don’t like the offer before the season starts I think they will wait . You know a team’s going to get froggy by next deadline on the up
I think DA will take a dollar on a dollar today but he won’t take what he perceives as .90 cents
Knicks should do what it takes to get this done. Mitchell going home would be a huge story and sell tickets. They don’t have to give up that much if you really look at it. Getting Melo a decade ago was a big deal. This would be even better. If only they could dump Randle. I’d consider sending Randle and Fournier to LA for the expiring Russ contract. Huge cap space next season for that. Some of the Knicks picks aren’t even going to be top picks anyway.
The sentence about Rose is bonkers yet smells enough like Thibs to be actually believable, sadly
Why Rose, in his mid 30s coming off an injury riddled season, would be any type of priority for a roster that, if the trade went down, would have both Brunson and Mitchell is just f***ing nuts.
Why is Thibs still here?
Who else gets to ignore the boss & fail to recognize his employees skills for two years?
Firing Thibs should’ve been their first move this summer. The Knicks need a younger coach like Sam Cassell
Agreed; It’s getting a bit silly
Everyone likes Rose, how could ya not but to put his “likeness” above the overall health of the franchise? Cmon ….If he’s needed as salary filler ship him out…he can come back next year when his team option is declined
The only Knicks fans that want this to happen are the ones that don’t understand team building. It would decimate the future of the franchise to bring Mitchell to New York. It would instantly make the Brunson addition pointless. Two non defenders at the guard spots, both ball dominant. Horrible that the media keeps driving this crap
Totally agree. But the Knicks are a pathetic franchise run by a short sighted owner. Hopefully the Knicks realize the Timberwolves overpay isn’t the template for a Mitchell deal.
If you’re approaching the potential Mitchell deal as the FINAL move for NY I think you’re misreading the situation.
I think the intent with any DM trade is that there’s a subsequent move down the line, maybe not this year but in the next 2-3, that brings perhaps an even better talent that Mitchell into the fold.
So while the Brunson/Mitchell pairing maybe isn’t totally ideal, its also not 100% relevant
They can also trade for the expiring Russ deal. Huge cap space then.
Donovan Mitchell to me is like Carmelo Anthony. So solid offensively and so horrible defensively. Mitchell just like Anthony isn’t really a big need for the Knicks as the media has made it out to be. Mitchell is definitely not worth all those draft picks, he’s not Michael Jordan, LeBron James or even Kevin Durant. So let’s stop pretending he is. He’s not worth it then. We should forget about him for the Knicks.
I agree. Mitchell is a guy that got drafted into the ONLY organization that really had an opening for his skill set the year he got drafted. He did take that opportunity and ran with it and his confidence has gone through the roof. But if he was drafted by any other team, he would have been buried on the bench and probably would be out of the league right now.
Man, I’m very far from a Donovan Mitchell super fan … but you’re saying he’d be OUT OF THE LEAGUE if he was drafted by another team??? That’s wild to me
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
first post was meant for these guys (hiflew). True haters
link to cbssports.com
This is a good take on Mitchell trade.
I like Grimes too. I see a Murray type player. If he gets his handle right. Considering I’m totally done with Randle. I’d rather move Grimes than Obi1. If Utah wants Grimes that bad. Then I’d say 4 picks is enough.
UTH starting the season with DM is the best thing that can happen for the NYK relative to a possible DM deal. Well worth the risk that UTH changes its mind (decides to keep him) and/or finds another trade partner. Might be for the best in any case.
Nobody knows what the season will bring, but just watching their trend lines, it’s easy to see Grimes, Toppin and IQ all being more valuable by mid-year. More generally, we’ll also know more about the fits among players, particularly the new guy Brunson and the wild card Randle. DM’s value, on the other hand, almost can’t go up that much. The things that could elevate him from here perception-wise aren’t things he’ll be able to show on a losing team.
Keeping DM for too long. Only diminishes their chances at a top pick. Getting players who are ready to bust out. Like Toppin and RJ, Herro. Also means they may have too many wins for worst three. Imo it’s all about the draft with Jazz now. Ainge has to be all in.
Ainge hasn’t gone all in on tanking since his early years in BOS, and it came very close to costing him his job before he got bailed out by events. So, he may be hesitant. But, yeah, with today’s elite tankers like OKC, DET, ORL, HOU seemingly locked and loaded, if he’s going to do it, he better be all in. One or two decent months and you’re picking in the back part of the top 10 at best.
Agreed—Mitchell is great for NY if the price is right. But if it costs the majority of the team’s future assets … I don’t think Rose & Co will be heartbroken opening the season and seeing how the roster looks as is
In fact, that may actually be the optimal approach. Barrett had an incredibly promising second half, at least starting the season w/ him as a focal point isn’t the worst idea. I still think there’s a world where Barrett is an All Star caliber player
Also at least starting the season with Brunson at the reigns isn’t a terrible idea either, esp considering part of the pretext of him coming to NY was an expanded role
The Jazz can ship Donovan to everywhere for multiple picks, and any team which have big dump contract and multiple picks can afford this. It’s weird that no more team seems to be interested.
I’m with Cap/Al//Lionel on many fronts, especially re Westbrook, yr 23 cap rm and using yr ’23 loading draft as a springboard to cement our rebuild. Im not too keen on Mitchell for what it worth to the franchise future.
Im of the view WE the NYK, orchestrate the 3 team deal..why include the Jazz?? My take:
To LAL:
> Randle, Fournier or Rose, Cam, Keels
> NYK ’24 1stRd unpro
To NYK:
> Westbrook, S.johnson, pippin Jr, t.bryant (when he’s trade-eligible (oct or dec?)
Reason: Westbrook for’23 cap space, Johnson plays the 3 or 4 great defender with energy, pippin Jr more ready than keels, t.bryant can play the 4 and stretch big who defends and shot-blocks.
>LAL ’23 1stRd, both 2ndRds
> Simmons(from BKN); David Duke Jr
> BKN ’23 1st Rd unpro
To BKLN:
> Randle, Fournier or Rose, Mcbride
> NYK ’29 and ’27 1stRd unpro; ’25 1stRd MILW protect pick
SUMMARY:
A) NYK gain Westbrook cap space for ’23 (47k!)
B) We move Randle, Fournier, Cam and Rose per se expiring contracts.
C) ’23 draft class loaded thru pics 1-10; good prospects 11-30
D) NYK gave up 4 1stRd btwn LAL & BKN, but we gained 2 unprotected back, plus 2 2ndRds from LAL.
E) NYK now has (6) 1st rds and (2) rds in a loaded draft
F) We take on Simmons for Randle, but Simmons is a ball mover/rebounder/defender, more suited to NYK style of play
G) WE lose Mcbride but pick up some youths (pippin Jr, David duke)
H) Best of all: NYK keep Toppin, Grimes, I.Q., Sims. Only collateral damage is Mcbride.
The trade machine says this is doable (NYJ may need to finish deal with cash considerations)
Again, this removes Utah from the equation and NYK can deal exclusively with BKN and LAL, who may be incentivized to do this deal.
This deal also provides a phase-2 component for BKN..they can negotiate with LAL for the Kyrie trade, since the NYK only requesting ’23 pics (and gave LAL a ’24 pick), so they can freephone BKN (2) ’23 1st Rds [’27 and ’29].
Typo…”so they (LAL) can freely send BKN (2) 1st rd pics one in ’27 and ’29)