Jazz prefer Tyler Herro to RJ Barrett in Donovan Mitchell trade talks

With Utah Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell’s name being thrown around in trade discussions, all eyes are focused on potential trade packages.

After the Jazz trade of Rudy Gobert, the team looks to be on course for a full reset. The Gobert trade netted the Jazz four-first round picks and multiple young players. A Donovan Mitchell trade could net them something similar, if not more.

Two teams have seemingly been linked to Donovan Mitchell. Both the Miami Heat and the New York Knicks are said to be interested. But the Jazz could have their own preferences regarding the two teams.

For either the Knicks or the Heat, a trade for Donovan Mitchell would be built around a young star. In the Knicks' case, it would be RJ Barrett. The Heat would more than likely have to include Tyler Herro.

Either of these fourth-year players could be a solid starting place in a trade. But according to some people around the league, the Jazz may prefer one to the other.

Andy Larsen of the Salt Lake Tribune wrote, “At least one voice in the Jazz’s front office prefers Herro as a return to Barrett.”

Tyler Herro has already proven himself to be an elite offensive threat. The reigning sixth man of the year has looked nearly unstoppable at times for the Heat. In 2021, Herro averaged 20.7 PPG, 5 RPG, and 4.0 APG. He also shot 44.7% from the floor and 39.9% from behind the three-point line.

RJ Barrett has taken a little longer to gain his footing in the NBA. The former Duke star is also coming off of the best season of his short career.

After two somewhat rough seasons, he looked like a borderline star this season. Much like Tyler Herro, he set career-highs across the board. He averaged 20 PPG, 5.8 RPG, and 3.0 PPG. He shot 40.8% from the floor and 34.2% from three.

If the Jazz choose to go in either direction, they could be finding their future centerpiece. With the Knicks having more draft capital at their disposal, the Jazz may find that to be the better route. But if Herro is who they deem as the better player, a trade for him wouldn't come as a surprise.