The Utah Jazz and New York Knicks had been locked in trade talks all summer, with Donovan Mitchell being the centerpiece. The teams failed to make a deal earlier this summer, and now it’s too late.
Knicks won’t be getting Donovan Mitchell, who reportedly is heading to the Cavaliers for a package of five first-round picks, Collin Sexton, Lauri Markkanen and Ochai Agbaji.
According to Ric Bucher, the Jazz were so “ticked” at the New York Knicks over their “brazen” pursuit of Mitchell that they were willing to take a lesser deal out of spite.
Per the report, the final Knicks offer consisted of R.J. Barrett, and Immanuel Quickly, unprotected first-round picks in 2024 and 2026, a rights swap in 2025 and 2027, a 2025 first-round pick from the Milwaukee Bucks and two second-round picks.
This is something that could only happen to the Knicks.
Mitchell, who removed Utah from his Twitter bio this week, preferred a trade to the Knicks to come back home.
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The Knicks’ Plan B is now building on their young core and two first-round picks in 2023 they possess as well as 11 over the next seven years.
Moments before the Mitchell news broke, the Knicks released a statement on Barrett to perhaps soften the blow.
“We are thrilled to announce a well-deserved extension for RJ Barrett, a core piece of our team’s foundation,” Rose said. “At only 22 years old, he has elevated his game each season, solidifying himself as a force on both ends of the court. We believe he will continue to improve because of his passion for the game and dedication to his craft. We want to continue to build our team and culture around players like RJ who possess these values and qualities.”
