Like many other teams around the NBA landscape, the New York Knicks would likely be open to the idea of acquiring Donovan Mitchell, but what would it take to lure him from the Utah Jazz?
At this point, there is no clear indication that Mitchell is seeking a trade, though reports of a rift with Rudy Gobert have surfaced in recent days. Gobert became the NBA's first confirmed case of COVID-19 in mid-March. In a move that he has since apologized for, the French-born big man made it a point to touch every microphone during a post-game interview before learning that he was a positive case. Furthermore, Gobert deliberately handled his teammate's belongings in the locker room. The pandemic was in its early stages, but his actions were viewed as careless, nonetheless.
One day after Gobert was diagnosed, Mitchell became the second confirmed case of coronavirus in the league. The two have since spoken, and they are reportedly “on the same page.” However, rumors indicate that their relationship took a turn for the worse after Gobert's locker room shenanigans.
If the Knicks are indeed interested in acquiring Mitchell in some sort of trade, they'll need to give up quite a haul, according to a report from Ian Begley of SNY.
If Mitchell were to seek a trade from the Jazz, one opposing executive, speculating, said that any Knicks package would probably have to include either RJ Barrett or Mitchell Robinson, and two first-round picks (one of them unprotected). So if you are putting together potential Knicks trade packages for Mitchell, it makes sense to start there. And, obviously, if Utah was trading Mitchell and keeping Gobert, the club wouldn't want to deal for Robinson.
Mitchell, now 23 years of age, was enjoying his best season before the NBA decided to suspend the campaign due to the coronavirus. In his 63 appearances with the Jazz, the former Louisville standout racked up averages of 24.2 points on 45.3 percent shooting from the field (36.4 percent from beyond the arc), 4.4 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 1.0 steal in 34.4 minutes per outing. His marks for points, rebounds and assists are all career-highs.
As of now, it's not clear when the 2019-20 regular season might resume. Some, including Mavs owner Mark Cuban, have speculated that games could be played at a later date, but he admits that doctors and health officials will have the final verdict.
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