Utah Jazz receive: G/F RJ Barrett, F Cam Reddish, F Obi Toppin, G/F Evan Fournier, 2023 First-Round Pick (NYK)

New York Knicks Receive: G Donovan Mitchell

Arguably, this trade leaves both sides in better shape.

The New York Knicks will be sad to part with RJ Barrett, but he’s worth the cost to acquire Donovan Mitchell. Otherwise, Obi Toppin is developing into a solid role player, and Cam Reddish still has potential. It’s doubtful this Knicks’ front office would flinch before trading either for Mitchell.

Meanwhile, they don’t have to mortgage off their draft into eternity in the process. The Jazz still receive another kick at the 2023 can in the swap, but otherwise, they’re getting a platoon of quality young players.

Here, the team likely runs a competent(ish) offense through RJ Barrett next season. They probably won’t be a world-beater. That’s fine. They’ll have an opportunity to draft their franchise player in the following summer, instantly demoting Barrett to his more natural role of the second option.

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: This Jazz-Knicks Trade Sends Donovan Mitchell To New York

All of which the Jazz will avoid if possible. They’re perfectly happy with Donovan Mitchell. Still, if they’re forced to part with him, the Knicks have a variety of offers to make that should tempt them.