When word first broke on July 1 that the Jazz had agreed to a blockbuster trade sending Rudy Gobert to Minnesota, reports from ESPN and The Athletic quickly clarified that Utah had no plans to trade Donovan Mitchell and intended to build its roster around the All-Star guard.
The reports made some sense. After all, there had been rumored tension between Gobert and Mitchell for years. Mitchell, who will turn 26 in September, is four years younger than Gobert and is on a slightly less pricey contract. If the organization was going to choose to move forward with one or the other, Mitchell seemed likely to be the pick.
On top of that, the return in the Gobert trade set up the Jazz for a quick pivot — they could incorporate reliable rotational role players like Patrick Beverley, Malik Beasley, and Jarred Vanderbilt and could conceivably flip some of the first-round picks they got from Minnesota for more pieces to complement Mitchell. Combining those assets with returning veterans like Mike Conley, Bojan Bogdanovic, Jordan Clarkson, and Rudy Gay would provide the Jazz with a solid base.
However, that plan was called into question almost immediately as trade rumors began to swirl around Mitchell. Eleven days after the Gobert trade was first reported, Adrian Wojnarowski stated that the Jazz were open to inquiries on Mitchell. It didn’t take long for the team to engage in discussions with the Knicks, and subsequent reports identified the Heat, Wizards, Raptors, Hornets, Hawks, and Kings as teams with varying levels of interest in the All-Star guard.
Just as a plan to retool around Mitchell could be justified, so too could a plan to pivot to a full-fledged rebuild. Having already traded away Gobert and Royce O’Neale for draft-heavy returns, the Jazz could go all-in on the fire sale by moving Mitchell, Bogdanovic, Beverley, and other veterans for more assets, loading up on draft picks, and charting a new course under CEO Danny Ainge and head coach Will Hardy, both of whom joined the franchise within the last year.
Taking that path would make sense for the Jazz if they have reservations about Mitchell’s ability to be a franchise player. And if that’s the case, it might be the right to move him, while he still has multiple years left on his contract and hasn’t hurt Utah’s leverage by asking for a trade and forcing the club’s hand.
Since that initial flurry of Mitchell trade rumors in July, the rumor mill has slowed down a little. By all accounts, the Jazz are asking for a massive return for Mitchell, seeking the same sort of haul of unprotected picks and solid players and contracts they were able to extract for Gobert.
If no team meets Utah’s asking price, this situation could play out in one of two ways — the Jazz, having already ventured part of the way down this road, could commit to that direction and lower their asking price for Mitchell, accepting the best offer on the table. Or they could shut down trade talks and enter the season with Mitchell on the roster, putting off the possibility of a deal until at least 2023.
Both approaches are risky. The Jazz won’t want to sell off an All-Star in his mid-20s for less than what he’s worth. But by hanging onto Mitchell, they’d run the risk of eventually being forced into trade talks on his terms down the road, should he ask out of Utah. And the closer we get to 2025 (when he can opt out of his contract), the more reluctant some teams may be to give up significant assets for Mitchell without assurances he’d re-sign.
We want to know what you think. How much longer do you expect Mitchell do remain in Utah? Will these trade talks culminate in a deal later this year, or will the Jazz end up retooling their roster around the guard like those initial reports suggested?
Vote in our poll, then head to the comment section below to weigh in!
I could see Mitchell wanting to go the Dame, Beal, Kobe, Nowitzki route and stick with one franchise for his career. Maybe that’s why we haven’t heard of any rumored trade demands. Ainge is ruthless though, he’d trade his own grandmother for a second round pick.
“Trader Danny” has to take a chill pill, ain’t no way he’s getting 6 first rounders for Mitchell. Maybe 3 or 4 though. The T-Wolves need to get their head examined for giving up 5 lst rounders for Gobert. Smh
As another person on here posted “The Wolves traded 6 nickels for a quarter.”
Not one of the players they traded is going to be as good as Gobert and they would have to get extremely lucky (like they did with Gobert) to find a player that has as much impact.
“Not one of the players they traded is going to be as good as Gobert”
A) we have no way of knowing this. Some of the draft picks have not even been used yet. They got Walker Kessler (22nd overall pick; Gobert himself was the 27th overall pick), plus three unprotected Wolves picks, a top-5 protected Wolves pick, and a pick swap.
B) no one player needs to be as good as Gobert. All that needs to happen is that collectively, the picks/players end up worth more than Gobert. To all the picks mentioned above, add PatBev, Beasley, Vanderbilt, and Bolmaro.
C) maybe Gobert doesn’t end up meshing with the T’Wolves?
D) Gobert is already 30 years old and has four years, $170 million left on his deal.
Unfortunately for the traded young ones their careers will be measured against what Gobert brings to the Wolves this year.
The trade is destined to lool like spare parts and salary filler for a future Hall of Famer.
I would not want to be the first draft pick of the Jazz for nothing next year. The 2025 one is akin to the Mr. Irrelevant pick in the NFL.
Technically Kobe was with two franchises. Although he didn’t play for them he was drafted by the Charlotte Hornets.
If they didn’t trade him for Vlade Divac perhaps the team never moves to New Orleans. Which means there probably wouldn’t be an NO team. The OKC Thunder probably wouldn’t exist either,
because the Hornets temporarily playing in OKC after Hurricane Katrina is what showed that the city had enough support for their own NBA team. Which also means there wouldn’t be the Charlotte Bobcats since the Hornets would still be there.
It’s amazing how one move could have such a ripple effect. Three current NBA teams would possibly not exist (at least in their current form or city) if that trade didn’t happen. Obviously expansions would’ve happened but who knows in what form or which cities and the Sonics would’ve probably gone somewhere else.
I think it’s been destined that he ends up in NY playing for the Knicks. I thought that for a couple years now. He’s going to come home.
I hear NYC has some potent smells in the air. I imagine that can have an affect on everyone’s brains after awhile? =)
the good thing for the Jazz they can wait until they get over paid for him. No need to rush a trade when they can wait for that playoff team who wants a big push into the playoffs.
The only thing that throws a wrench into my thought is that Danny Ainge is patient. But I’ve maintained all along that Donovan Mitchell has one foot out the door and the other foot on a banana peel. He’s gone before the season starts.
I think with Quinn Snyder quitting that tells us quite a bit about the future of the jazz. Rebuild with a capital R.
No team trades a 26 year old franchise player who is signed for 3 years and hasn’t requested a trade. Doesn’t matter whether the team is rebuilding or not, or how deep the rebuild is likely to be, or what’s offered (short of another franchise player). You build around him.
If DM hasn’t requested a trade, and it’s been stated that he hasn’t, then it’s clear that UTH doesn’t really consider him a franchise player. Doesn’t mean they’re right, but they’re the team that knows him best.
If some teams comes along and willing to give them a package like they got for Gobert I see them saying why not get over paid.
Because when you have a true franchise player in place at that age, with that degree of team control, who’s not disgruntled, he’s far more valuable to you than to any other team.
Being overpaid in trade assets matters only to 2k’ers and the FO equivalents thereof, who keep track of who wins and loses trades – as though it matters. Hey, Ainge may be one of them. But, to the rest of the world, these trades make no sense. Consider what “overpayment” price should have enticed GSW to trade Curry shortly after they locked him up to his first big contract in his mid-20’s-?? The problem is if GSW had made such a trade, then the 2k’ers would have praised them as long as they got enough trade assets as valued at the time. What they don’t see is the opportunity cost of dealing an in place franchise player. Keep doing it and you’ll never win a championship. Now, if a guy is 30 years old, or requests a trade, that’s different. If he’s NOT a true franchise player, then that’s VERY different – YES, make the deal.
FWIW, I think UTH (before even sitting down with MIN) had concluded that Gobert was not a franchise player. Or, at least, due to his age and years with DM, was now unlikely to lead them into a championship future.
Actually the warriors almost traded Curry a few times. Mitchell is no Curry. More you can compare him to a Wiggins or Thompson.
problem Jazz had with Gobert they were built for the season not the playoffs. Playoffs are about match ups. They can build around Mitchell but you are going to need some all stars around him. they need a strong PG and use Mitchell as you points guy. their focus should be trading Conley and Bogdanovic for young players and draft picks.
Curry was no Curry then either. In fact, at 26, DM has a better resume and would be considered a better trade asset. Had he been traded, you’d never know that Curry, all along, was Curry. If he’s a future Wiggins or Thompson, well, that’s the point – YES, trade him if the haul is great enough. But a future Curry should be off limits regardless. Obviously, UTH doesn’t think he’s a future Curry (a franchise player), and that’s my point.
At his age how are they going to build around him. Those Minny picks can’t be traded till TD. Also Jazz will miss out on a top pick. In this yrs talented draft. The only move Jazz have now is to move Donovan. You know he’s told them he wants NY. He’s been all over NYC the past few months.
Now they can wait out teams. But then again you are playing yourself out of top three pick. Rebuilding this team. Is all about a top three pick. Otherwise Jazz have no clue how to rebuild.
He’s coming home lol.
That’s very possible why they’re considering trading Donovan as well. Could just be that they left the possibility open to see what’s out there, but aren’t really seriously considering it.
Could be that all these reports are really just other teams trying to get the Jazz to commit to trading Donovan? It’s so up in the air at this point.
They say to watch around September 1st to see if the Jazz are really trading Donovan before training camp. Otherwise, he’ll be with the Jazz until after the ASG, quite possibly.
Exactly. He’s not a franchise player. He’s 6-1 but not a point guard. He’s not an exceptional three-point shooter but he’ll make them in bunches. He likes to go to the basket but he only goes right. His defense well there’s no defense for his defense. He’s just kind of there.
But there’s something about him that has that Damian Lillard or Big Shot capabilities whatever you want to call it. That has other teams drooling. We’ll see how it plays out.
There is a slight chance he told management it’s either Rudy or me, and they traded Gobert. After the playoffs I thought they would have kept Gobert and traded Mitchell because Goberts contract was way too tough to deal.
Yes, a great scorer, and he can go toe to toe with the games best scorers in big games, and even come out on top his share of the times. But overall stats (new and old school) don’t lie. He shoots league average percentages for his position. That’s career-wise and this past season, and there’s no upward trend line. Other than the fact that they play different positions, Melo (at the time of the trade to NYK) and DM (now) have similar offensive numbers, and similar defensive profiles. All about price, but not a player you chase.
I still question the Knicks thing… him and Brunson together is pretty small – hell, I’d be comfortable with either guarding me. Conley would second that with a side eye and a knowing nod.
I like Mitchell, but he’s the epitome of a tweener.
I agree, maybe a team like SAC or DET surprises this year and they push for a win now amd future piece.
He’s been built up a ton off a couple playoff series he went all hero ball.
The Jamal Murray vs Donovan series still holds a ton of weight from the kids and his aura….Tbh it was just bad basketball ( hero ball ) that went well (he got hot). Not the kinda system any coach wants to run come playoffs; especially under the umbrella of somebody not named Micheal Jordan, Kobe Bryant, or Kevin Durant
They let Gobert go because he was seen as an offensive liability. I counter that he was limited in what he was asked to do on offense.
In 10 years he was not allowed to develop a low post game. A go to shot. Or the 8 to 12 baseline or up top type shot.
His average shot range in 10 years is only 2.7 feet. That is completley unbelievable stuff.
Snyder left because he knows the tank is empty and did not want to be around for the decline.
It depends what their real plan is. Do they want to keep Mitchell stay in the late lottery? Or do they want to trade him (ie, tank) and likely get a high lottery pick?
It also depends, obviously, on the offers.
link to nbadraft.net
The top three guys here. Will be stars. Maybe better than Mitchell. Top ten next yr is very talented. That’s how you rebuild.
Wembanyama is considered a better talent that Rudy. There is no way now to turn back for Utah. It’s top three pick next yr.
i’m not a magic fan but i’d love to see donovan mitchell go to the magic. he’s fit in really well and i think they could easily make the playoffs with him, maybe even secure home court
Mitchell will surprise everyone by announcing his retirement before the season starts, saying he wants to spend more time with his family.
lol :)
NYC loves their own. Mitchell at Rucker Park
link to nypost.com
He’ll be a Knick before the season starts.
He is more likely to be a Net first. Simmons, Mitchell, Thomas and Irving is a better set up than the Knicks can muster up by half.
K.D. for Mitchell, Beasley, Connelly, Clarkson and the 23 number one pick gets her done.
Good luck Donovan, however it plays out. A breath of fresh air: an honest, hard-working, down-to-earth individual. Hope you’ll find the success elsewhere, best of luck to you, you worked hard to get to where you’re at. Any team will be lucky to have you.
Let’s get it right ok ……
Mitchell is 6’ 1” plus without shoes. 6’ 3” with shoes. He has a 6’ 10” wing span.
link to bleacherreport.com
Which means he plays like a 6’ 5” player. Makes it one of longest in NBA.
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Not only is he incredibly fast for his size, but his arms are some of the longest in all of the NBA. His wingspan measures a staggering 6’10. Not only is that much, much longer than most players across the league, but it means his arms are nine inches longer than his body.Aug 3, 2022
link to dunkorthree.com
With his quickness and handle. It makes him a strong talent. And actually should be a great defender. Thibs will get that out of him
I find it hard to believe the light will come on for his D
Possible, sure, but unlikely ….best thing he could have is a great Big watching his back…oh wait
Why he’s 25 yrs old. If he wants to be legendary he’s gotta play D right
I stood within three feet of him for like 2 minutes during the summer leauge. 6 foot 5 is about right with shoes.
One of the very few players star or otherwise that sat with the fans during the games that were in the Pavillion.
.he is a good player, but his shooting % in the playoffs has been lousy. Look for him to end up with Knicks eventually.
Actually, his shooting % go up in the playoffs. That’s partly why his scoring average goes up noticeably. That and he shoots a bit more because the Jazz had some shy players, like Royce.
Slice it any way you want, Mitchell can score from anywhere on the court and is one of only a handful of players in all NBA history to score 50+ in a playoff game multiple times. He’s only 26 having already done that. I understand his flaws, but this nonsense about him only being able to go right and he’s not a franchise player. I’ll disagree 100%. We’ll see how it plays out but I’m on record saying it’s been predestined for a while now that he ends up a Knick. Now it’s just a matter of haggling over the price.
If you know Ainge, you know he wants to rebuild through the draft and make his own mark. It may take 2-3 years when Mitchell is at the end of his contract and 2-3 years older. The wolves picks won’t be lottery and if the jazz keep Mitchell their own won’t be lottery. He’ll def trade him for draft capital. Anyone who thinks otherwise, I believe is misunderstanding who their GM is.
I’ll still be on this site to be accountable if I’m wrong. But I’m on the record hard, for he’s a Knick soon
As long as the Jazz get the value they’re asking for then I doubt Jazz fans will be too devastated.
On the other hand, he will be missed very much. Trading him may not be the best thing if the Jazz are still trying to win now.
I could see them wanting to if they want to get longer at every position.
Then again, lol, Donovan is pretty long for his size and position, if he plays PG. If he continues to play SG, then they need to revisit what they originally planned when they tried to pair him with Dante Exum at PG. Go back and watch that Summer League in SLC. They were amazing together!
The problem ended up being that Exum only has one speed, dive bomber speed. That led to constant injuries.
I have a buddy who’s a jazz fan and we watch A LOT of their games. Donovan Mitchell PREFERS to go right I should have said. If he goes left he’s not as comfortable.., usually holds up and passes off or goes off balance or miss the shot or whatever. When he goes right it’s often a bucket.
I guess the Knicks want him the most but Ainge will trade him for the best package regardless of destination. Could be the Knicks because of their desire.
I like your comments Lyman bostock, and I agree that MENTALLY Donovan Mitchell is a “franchise player.” The results though suggest that SOMETIMES he’s a franchise player. But of course he’s only 26 and will continue to get better. Imagine in 3 years when he’s 29 and has things figured out even more than he has so far.
Thanks man, I appreciate that. His footwork and moves in the post are just unstoppable. He pivots, leans back, hits the tough floaters, hits close shots off balance. He really can score from anywhere on the court on any possession. He’s a great finisher too. Then yeah, he gets hot and when he’s hot there’s not too many other players in the league that get hot to that level. Plus it’s really exactly what the Knicks need. They can play defense. Especially when Mitchell is healthy. If it only costs is draft capital then I think it’s a no brainer. What are the odds of the Knicks drafting a player as good as Mitchell with any of the picks they have? Especially since none of them seem
To project as lottery.