Jazz, Knicks Revisit Donovan Mitchell Trade Talks

The Knicks aren’t giving up on landing Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell, and after a few weeks apart, the sides recently revisited trade talks.

According to Shams Charania and Tony Jones of The Athletic, the Knicks and Jazz had a “fresh trade conversation” centered on Mitchell last week. But hurdles remain, just as they do in any trade talks.

For starters, the Jazz have set a “high price threshold” for Mitchell, per Charania and Jones, which is the way it’s always been. As we relayed last month, the Jazz reportedly don’t want RJ Barrett as part of the return package.

Instead, at last check, the Jazz were seeking a package of six first-round draft picks, as well as Quentin Grimes, Immanuel Quickley and Obi Toppin. That’s a ridiculous hall for a player who is really good, but probably not the top option on a championship team.

Then again, for the Knicks, a Mitchell-Jalen Brunson backcourt is a fantastic starting place when it comes to building a true contender. But can the Knicks actually get there?

Another thing we know is the Jazz are talking to more teams than just the Knicks. Now that the Heat are finding life difficult in trying to land Kevin Durant from the Nets, they may soon place all their focus on getting Mitchell. (So far a package of Tyler Herro, Duncan Robinson and draft picks is not enticing enough for the Jazz, per reports).

For now, though, Knicks president Leon Rose will almost definitely keep trying in his quest to land Mitchell. But dealing with the man affectionately known as “Trader Danny” can be a challenge. That would ne less than Utah CEO Danny Ainge. Someday soon, the Jazz could be interested in Barrett, after all. But we will likely have to wait a while to find out.

Hoops Wire will have more on the Knicks, Jazz and Mitchell as he news becomes available, so keep it right here.