Is Donovan Mitchell on the move?

Utah Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell. Photo: Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah Jazz are now prepared to listen to potential trade offers for their all-star guard, Donovan Mitchell. It appears as if the Jazz are headed for a complete rebuild, as earlier this month, the Jazz traded their all-star center, sending Rudy Gobert to the Minnesota Timberwolves. In return, the Jazz received 5 players, including guards Malik Beasley and Patrick Beverly, along with 4 future first-round picks.

Former head coach Quinn Snyder resigned in early June following a first-round exit in the NBA playoffs. For eight years, Snyder led the Jazz to six consecutive playoff appearances and won nearly 60% of games coached with the franchise.

General Manager Justin Zanik said in a press conference, “Change is inevitable in the NBA. 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,” Zanik said. “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.”

A few days after this press conference, a report came out from NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski, saying that the Jazz are reportedly talking with multiple teams on a potential deal, with the New York Knicks emerging as the focused destination. The Jazz are keying in on a draft-pick heavy trade package, and the Knicks own eight first-round picks, making them a possible landing spot for the all-star guard.

Mitchell, who has been in Utah for five years, has been an all-star for the past three consecutive seasons. He has averaged 23.9 points and 4.5 assists in his 5-year career, leading the Jazz to a playoff appearance every year. Considering the number of players and picks Utah received for center Rudy Gobert, don’t be surprised if Mitchell is traded and the Jazz begin rebuilding and stockpiling draft picks.