Since the off-season began, the Knickerbockers of New York have been upfront in securing the services of Utah Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell in a bid to re-jig their fledgling franchise. But if reports of late are anything to go by, it appears trade talks have, in the past week, stalled between the two teams. While most of the coverage, particularly in the Utah market, has focused on what kind of impact the trade would make for the Jazz in what is shaping up to be a sizable rebuilding effort under CEO Danny Ainge, it also brings to fore the question as to whether DM would be a good fit for the Knicks should the proposed deal work out as planned?
"As of right now, sources tell me that talks between the Jazz and the Knicks around a Donovan Mitchell trade have stalled out." NBA Insider @ShamsCharania has the latest on Donovan Mitchell trade discussions. pic.twitter.com/DXLoEicg9v — The Rally (@TheRally) July 29, 2022
Would Spider be a Good Fit? Coming off a losing year and one season removed from a surprising playoff appearance, New York recruited high-scoring guard, Jalen Brunson from Dallas Mavericks and accumulated draft capital in the event a bonafide star player becomes available. Enter the 25-year-old Westchester native. A three-time All-Star, who averaged over 25 points and five assists per game the past two seasons. Essentially, the Spider offers just about all the Knicks hoped they would get from Kemba Walker last summer, only more of it with seven fewer years of wear and tear.
Donovan Mitchell 2021-2022 final regular season stats: 25.9 ppg 5.3 apg 4.2 rpg 44.8% fg 35.5% 3pt 85.3% ft 1.5 spg 33% usage Shoutout @spidadmitchell for a great season! Playoff Mitchell activated 🔥 pic.twitter.com/6gC7dPYvSv — Jazz Focus (@utjazzfocus) April 11, 2022
Mitchell is known for his ability to create his own shots and has a growing reputation as a facilitator. He also rates quite highly in offensive analytics. Suitors Not in Short Supply Regarding the lack of discussions between the Knicks and Jazz, Utah is believed to be ready to start talking to other potential suitors about the three-time All Star guard. The Charlotte Hornets and Washington Wizards are two of the teams to have shown interest in the three-time All-Star guard. The Miami Heat have also been linked as a possible partner, though that would require a third team to be part of the deal as Miami does not have enough draft capital and young talent to appeal to the Jazz. While the Jazz may try to engage other teams in a possible deal, this could all be seen as a leverage move to get the Knicks to up their offer.
Donovan Mitchell trade talks pic.twitter.com/TwfxK51Ufy — New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) July 29, 2022
New York has been the focal point of discussions for Mitchell, and there is not another team who could easily outdo what they offer. Though both sides have paused on talks right now, it feels like a standoff to see which team blinks first.