Knicks Rebuff Jazz’s Large Trade Proposal For Donovan Mitchell

The Knicks are still talking to the Jazz about Donovan Mitchell, but so far, the sides have yet to come close to a deal.

Per Tony Jones of The Athletic, the Knicks turned down the Jazz’s request of six first-round draft picks, as well as Quentin Grimes, Immanuel Quickley and Obi Toppin.

Grimes, in particular, seems to be Utah’s “must-have” in any Mitchell deal with New York. But clearly, so are a lot of picks.

“Other reporting is that New York is being careful to avoid negotiating against themselves in a potential deal for Mitchell,” RealGM wrote. “On the Utah side, the Jazz are said to be uninterested in acquiring RJ Barrett in a deal, because Barrett is due for a contract extension.”

More teams than just the Knicks have discussed a Mitchell trade with the Jazz. As we relayed, the Heat have also been an active suitor. And the Nets have displayed at least a casual interest.

Mitchell, 25, is 6-foot-1 and has spent his entire career with the Jazz. He averaged 25.9 points, 5.2 assists and 4.3 rebounds in 67 games last season. While the Jazz are open to keeping him, it is seeming less and less likely he will return to Utah.

“Change is inevitable in the NBA,” Jazz GM Justin Zanuck said at a press conference last weekend. “I’m not trying to be cryptic or anything else, but Donovan is on our roster and he’s a very, very important part of what we’re trying to do.

“Things evolve in the NBA, so I couldn’t sit here and say anybody is [untouchable]. We’re trying to build a championship team, but there’s no intent [to trade Mitchell], at all.”

Hoops Wire will have more on this story as it develops, so keep it right here.