Make some room, Kevin Durant. There is a new star on the trade block.
ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski dropped his latest "Woj Bomb" on Tuesday night, reporting that the Jazz are now willing to listen to trade offers for Donovan Mitchell. Jazz general manager Justin Zanik discussed the possibility of a Mitchell trade on Saturday, leading to plenty of speculation about the 25-year-old's future.
"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."
Did Zanik simply give an honest response to a reporter's question? Or is this classic public posturing from an executive who wants to drive up the price of a star?
Regardless of what you may believe about the messaging, a Mitchell trade is suddenly on the table. Let's examine which teams could pursue a deal for the three-time All-Star — and how Mitchell's status could impact Durant's situation.
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Donovan Mitchell trade rumors: Potential destinations for Jazz star
The Jazz aren't actively shopping Mitchell, and Mitchell hasn't requested a trade, according to The Athletic's Tony Jones. However, Utah would consider pulling the trigger on a deal if they receive an overwhelming offer.
Mitchell is under contract through at least the 2024-25 season, so the asking price will be high. Can the teams below give the Jazz what they want in a blockbuster deal?
Heat
Notable trade assets: Bam Adebayo, Jimmy Butler, Tyler Herro, Duncan Robinson, future first-round picks
The case for: Mitchell would immediately give the Heat a scoring punch on offense, something they were clearly missing during the 2022 NBA Playoffs. It may also be easier to maintain a strong roster around Mitchell than Durant. Age, injury history and loss of assets are significant factors.
The case against: Consider what the Jazz received in the Rudy Gobert trade. Can the Heat really match or exceed that package? Miami may have to pull in one or two more teams in order to keep Utah on the phone. Plus, the Heat are more focused on Durant at the moment.
Knicks
Notable trade assets: RJ Barrett, Evan Fournier, Julius Randle, Obi Toppin, future first-round picks
The case for: Armed with a treasure chest full of draft picks, the Knicks could likely beat out any offer from a single team. Acquiring Mitchell would give New York the kind of star power it has desperately craved for years.
The case against: The Knicks aren't interested in moving Barrett in any deal, according to SNY's Ian Begley, so that could be a sticking point. But before even getting into trade negotiations, New York's decision-makers must ask themselves an important question: How much will Mitchell raise their ceiling? There would be major defensive concerns with a Mitchell-Jalen Brunson backcourt.
Nets
Notable trade assets: Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, Joe Harris, Ben Simmons, future first-round picks
The case for: The Nets don't want to completely tank because the Rockets essentially own all of their future draft capital. Brooklyn could build around Mitchell and the assets it brings back in other trades. There would be a lot of moving parts, but this is can't be ruled out as a possibility.
The case against: The main issue is that Mitchell and Simmons can't play on the same team because of NBA rules regarding players who have signed max rookie extensions. It's also worth noting that the Nets are reportedly prepared to keep Durant and Irving. There is currently no bidding war brewing for either player, so Brooklyn may be stuck with that duo heading into the 2022-23 season.
How Donovan Mitchell trade rumors impact Kevin Durant discussions
If the Nets continue to sit in a stalemate with Durant suitors, those teams could turn their attention toward Mitchell. The Jazz may be more flexible in conversations considering that they are pivoting away from being a title contender, whereas the Nets want to remain competitive.
But what if Mitchell opens up other doors for Brooklyn? What if Mitchell and Durant are involved in the same trade?
During Wednesday's edition of "Get Up," ESPN's Brian Windhorst noted that the Jazz, Nets, Pacers and Suns are all in position to make big offseason moves because of the situations involving Mitchell, Durant and Deandre Ayton. (He also threw out Simmons' name because of the previously mentioned issue about two players on max rookie extensions.)
While a four-team trade would be extremely complex, there is a scenario in which those teams could work together and acquire the players and picks that they desire.
"I have to acknowledge that this is out there, and there's a construction that there could be a major deal here," Windhorst said.
Will that trade actually be completed? At the moment, it seems unlikely, but the NBA offseason has taught us plenty of times before to expect the unexpected.
