Donovan Mitchell remains a Jazz player. However, trade talks between the NBA and the Jazz have slowed in August following a frenzy of activity in the offseason. Fans will likely be disappointed that there have not been any blockbuster deals lately, however, one large one was apparently discussed.
The Lakers, Knicks and Jazz had talks about a three-team trade that would’ve featured a coming home party for Mitchell and an unceremonious departure from Los Angeles for Russell Westbrook, according to Hoopshype’s Michael Scotto.
The Lakers would have traded Westbrook to Utah in the proposed trade. He would then be ex-contractually retired. The Jazz would’ve then sent Mitchell to the Knicks, as well as a trade package that included two of the following players to LA: Patrick Beverley, Jordan Clarkson, Bojan Bogdanovic and Malik Beasley. The Jazz would then be eligible to receive draft picks from the other sides of the deal.
If the deal was ever done, there were questions as to which player the Knicks were willing and able to send to Lakers. Los Angeles had expressed interest in forward Cam Reddish last year, but it didn’t materialize. New York would’ve also likely looked to offload one of its veterans to make salary space for Mitchell, with Derrick Rose headlining the list of possible departures.
The most obvious question about the trade is the number of draft picks Utah was likely to get. The report claims that the Jazz wanted more picks to replace Mitchell’s previous offseason deal which sent Rudy Gobert, All-Star center to the Minnesota Timberwolves. It was worth four future first-round selections and Walker Kessler, the 2022 first-rounder.
It’s unknown whether the Knicks would’ve been obligated to fork over four or five of their own first-round picks for Mitchell, or if the Lakers would’ve additionally had to chip in so that the Jazz would agree to take on Westbrook’s massive contract.
We may never know but a deal was discussed between them and it is possible that talks will heat up as training camp nears.
Source: NY Post
