The Utah Jazz earned the Western Conference's top seed last season, yet they exited in the second round of the postseason in an absolute choke job against the Los Angeles Clippers. Right now, the team is 30-19, but there is definitely a feeling that Utah will fail to live up to expectations come playoff time again. That being said, what could this mean for the future of franchise star Donovan Mitchell?
Well, according to Ric Bucher of FOX Sports and an Eastern Conference scout, Mitchell's time with the Jazz may come to an end if they don't get it done in the postseason. His possible destination? The New York Knicks:
If the Jazz appear to be feeling pressure to redeem themselves for last year’s second-round playoff exit after posting the league’s best record, NBA executives say it's in part because the future of star guard Donovan Mitchell in Utah depends on it.
The incessant buzz around the league is that there are those in Mitchell’s circle who believe he is too big of a star for Salt Lake City. Further, some say it’s only a matter of time before he joins former Creative Artists Agency agent and current New York Knicks president Leon Rose.
“They’re a first-round exit from Donovan being in New York,” an Eastern Conference scout said.
Again, this is simply a rumor. There is no indication that Mitchell is going to leave the Jazz, nor does he think he's too big of a star for Utah. However, the connection with Knicks president Leon Rose is certainly interesting and could point to a possible move in the future.
However, for now, Mitchell is happy in Salt Lake City. He inked a five-year, $195 million extension in November 2020 and won't be a UFA until 2026. The rumors will keep swirling, especially when a team like the Jazz isn't stepping up to the plate on the big stage.
The Knicks could sure use a franchise star like Donovan Mitchell, though. New York fans will certainly dream of the idea.
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