Wizards Confident In Trade Offer To Jazz For Donovan Mitchell

The Wizards believe they have made a strong trade for Donovan Mitchell, and that they are “firmly in the hunt” for the Jazz star, per Quinton Mayo of Substack.

Utah has been looking to move Mitchell ahead of training camp, and the door reportedly has opened for teams other than the Knicks to make their best pitch. Talks between the Jazz and Knicks broke down after the Knicks decided to sign RJ Barrett to a four-year contract extension, per ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.

While there is still time for the Jazz and Knicks to revisit talks, and they might, the Jazz could start considering other offers. As we relayed, Jazz CEO Danny Ainge reportedly thinks he has more than one strong offer — and the Wizards very well may be among those.

At least, that seems to be the Wizards’ thinking, as they have proposed a package that seems to have them feeling as if they’re “still in the race,” Mayo reported.

It’s hard to know what the Wizards may have proposed, but it’s no secret they are in search for another All-Star to place next to Bradley Beal. Earlier this summer, they were even linked to the Kevin Durant trade talks, though Durant is returning to the Nets.

A Beal-Mitchell backcourt could make them a serious player in the Eastern Conference, depending on what the Wizards would have to surrender. Word is, the Jazz are seeking four unprotected picks as part of any Mitchell trade.

But for now, it’s all speculation, as Ainge and the Jazz very well could bring back Mitchell for at least training camp, and perhaps beyond. Mitchell, for his part, is said to be just fine with returning to Utah for the 2022-23 season.

Along with the Wizards and Knicks, the Hornets and Cavaliers are also among those who have reportedly spoken to the Jazz.

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.