Utah Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell. (Rob Gray-USA TODAY Sports)
After trade talks with the Knicks fell short, the Utah Jazz lost interest to trade Donovan Mitchell and pulled themselves out of their own market.
Earlier this week, the New York Knicks announced a four-year rookie extension that could be worth up to $120 million for guard R.J. Barrett. As we know, the Utah Jazz have been in discussions with the Knicks in a possible deal to send guard Donovan Mitchell to the Knicks. A key part of that package may have been Barrett.
Last week, reports surfaced that the Knicks had offered the Jazz Evan Fournier, Obi Toppin, a few others players, along with five future first-round draft picks. The Jazz obviously didn’t like that offer otherwise a deal would have been agreed upon.
The Knicks aren’t the only Donovan Mitchell trade the Jazz have declined
Just last week, the Cleveland Cavaliers eliminated themselves from the pursuit of Mitchell. Cleveland had reportedly been unwilling to include Darius Garland, Jarrett Allen, or Evan Mobley in trade talks. Since the Jazz would like to strike a deal prior to training camp (sooner rather than later), the Cavs moved on.
Most recently, talks appeared to be progressing with the Miami Heat on a potential deal that would include Tyler Herro and Duncan Robinson. But the Jazz haven’t been thrilled with that return.
As of now, talks have stalled in Utah and the Jazz’s astronomical asking price is to blame. Training camp will begin in late September, with the regular season beginning weeks later in October. Time is running out for Utah if they want to complete their fresh-start rebuild prior to the season. We will see if a deal can get done and if/how much they’ll have to compromise.