After the Rudy Gobert deal, the Jazz had initially indicated that they were not planning to trade Donovan Mitchell. However, Utah has reportedly changed course, opening themselves up to trading Mitchell with Tony Jones of The Athletic writing that the franchise has had discussions with the Knicks about a deal that would net them multiple first-round picks.
The Knicks possess eight future first-round picks — four of their own and four acquired via trades — to use in a package. New York also has stockpiled young players, such as Quentin Grimes who is believed to be of interest to Utah, sources said
Earlier in the offseason, we looked at what New York would have to give up in a Mitchell deal via our All-Trade NBA Mock Draft. In that scenario, the Jazz netted the No. 5 overall pick and two additional future first-rounders (in a three-way mock trade with the Pistons). Of course, that didn’t occur, though New York did move out of the No. 11 spot, netting multiple future first rounders from Oklahoma City.
Rumors of Mitchell trying to maneuver his way to the Knicks have been circulating for quite some time.
Checking in on the Sixers
It’s unclear whether the Sixers would be willing to trade Tyrese Maxey in a Mitchell deal, something that would likely be needed since Philly is void of producing the kind of future first-round pick haul that would give them a competitive offer in the marketplace.
Should Daryl Morey’s club even consider moving the point guard? Kyle Neubeck of the Philly Voice examines the possibility and argues that Mitchell wouldn’t be a significant upgrade over Maxey given the role he’d likely play alongside James Harden and Joel Embiid.
Philadelphia could still benefit from Utah’s situation, however. It was also reported that no player is untouchable in trade talks with the Jazz and acquiring Patrick Beverley (who just arrived via the Gobert deal) would be a solid move for the Sixers, Neubeck explains.
Beverley is a guy that everybody who watches the NBA has an opinion on one way or another, a classic “hate playing against him, would love to have him on your team” guy. In many ways, he’s a guard’s version of P.J. Tucker, a maniacal pest who will do whatever needs to be done to take the opponent out of their comfort zone.
While Beverley had a down year shooting the ball last year, sitting about 3.5 percentage points behind his career average from deep, he has been a good shooter for most of his career and had his best year from deep while playing alongside James Harden in Houston. Beverley stuck up for Harden during several prominent TV appearances this summer, so his appreciation for Harden’s game has not diminished over time.
