Donovan Mitchell trade rumors have been a hot topic in the NBA ever since it was reported the Utah Jazz had a change of heart and decided to entertain trade offers for Mitchell. And the team that has seemingly emerged as the frontrunner, the New York Knicks, are confident that they will be able to land Utah's star guard in a blockbuster trade this offseason.

Ever since the Knicks were mentioned as a potential landing spot for Mitchell, fans have been speculating about who would have to be involved in the trade package going back to the Jazz. The name that everyone assumed would have to be included in the deal was New York's young guard RJ Barrett. According to recent rumors, though, that may not actually be the case.

According to Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report, the Knicks are becoming increasingly confident in their ability to land Mitchell without giving up Barrett. Barrett is going to be due for an extension shortly, and the Jazz reportedly don't want to be the team that hands him a huge new deal.

“Knicks personnel have projected confidence, sources said, that they will ultimately be able to land Mitchell without sacrificing Barrett. Likewise, league sources have indicated that Utah isn't enamored by becoming the franchise that coughs up a sizeable extension to Barrett.” – Jake Fischer, Bleacher Report

Fischer's update is an interesting turn of events, as many believed a deal for Mitchell wouldn't get done without Barrett being involved. But now it appears Barrett is set to stay, and may even get a nice extension from New York along the way. If the Knicks can pull off a trade for Mitchell without including Barrett, they would be in a great spot to make a playoff run in a packed Eastern Conference next season.