The Utah Jazz has to be happy knowing they had multiple representatives in NBA All-Star Weekend once again. Shooting guard Donovan Mitchell and center Rudy Gobert were both selected to participate in the game, but Gobert was the only one to play as Mitchell dealt with an illness. But, could this be the last time they are both representing the Jazz in an All-Star Game?
One of the rumors to emerge from All-Star Weekend was that the Utah Jazz is one team people are keeping an eye on when it comes to a major move this offseason.
It isn’t something they want to do, but Mitchell was mentioned as one of the next superstars that could request a trade from his team, along with Damian Lillard of the Portland Trail Blazers and Zion Williamson of the New Orleans Pelicans.
There were already some trade rumors this season that Donovan Mitchell would be open to a trade that landed him with the Miami Heat, his preferred choice. The New York Knicks were also mentioned as a possible landing spot.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: 3 Ideal Destinations For Jazz Star Donovan Mitchell To Consider
Donovan Mitchell recently addressed these rumors, doing his best to put them to rest. He is focused and isn’t going to let the rumors distract him from the ultimate goal of winning with his team. Mitchell shared his thoughts with The Athletic.
“I’m at a point now where it’s the NBA, this is what it is,” Mitchell said. “People are going to write things. If I have to respond every five minutes to a story, then I’m taking away from my teammates, and I’m taking away from my happiness. I love this team, and we want to find a way to win as a group. I’m focused on my team. As long as my teammates and my coaches know my intentions, then that’s what it is. But I’m not going to allow articles to deter me from my main goal. I love this group. So, let’s find a way to do it.”
Utah has fallen short in the postseason multiple seasons in a row, so it makes sense that teams believe Mitchell could be the next All-Star on the move. If the Utah Jazz has another early exit from the postseason this year, those rumblings are going to get even louder.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: 3 Ideal Destinations For Jazz Star Donovan Mitchell To Consider
The Knicks are certainly one team that would love to acquire Mitchell. Current Iona head coach Rick Pitino, who coached Mitchell at Louisville, tried to talk the team into selecting him when he declared for the NBA Draft in the 2017 NBA Draft.
Instead, the Knicks selected Frank Ntilikina, who never found success in New York and is now with the Dallas Mavericks. Donovan Mitchell, on the other hand, has made three All-Star teams and is a budding star in the league, still only 25-years old.
