Jazz Not Interested In Knicks’ RJ Barrett As Part Of Donovan Mitchell Trade

The Jazz and Knicks are still talking Donovan Mitchell trade, but the Jazz are being fairly picky. And that’s sort of the Danny Ainge way.

For instance, the Jazz do not have an interest in Knicks guard RJ Barrett as part of an exchange for Mitchell, per Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report (via HoopsHype). 

Beyond that, we don’t know much more about the Mitchell situation — beyond the fact the Knicks really want him, and the Jazz seem to know that. So Ainge and Utah can ask for a lot.

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. Someday soon, the Jazz could be interested in Barrett, after all. But we will likely have to wait a while to find out.