Brian Windhorst set the NBA world ablaze when he appeared on ESPN and put together a captivating monologue questioning what the Utah Jazz was doing. They just completed a trade that went under the radar, as Kevin Durant’s trade request was the center of attention.
Oddly enough, the trade was with the Brooklyn Nets. Utah sent Royce O’Neale, their best perimeter defender, to Brooklyn in exchange for a 2023 first-round pick. It was a deal that raised some eyebrows, which Windhorst believe was a precursor to a bigger deal.
It turns out that he was right, as the Jazz unloaded three-time Defensive Player of the Year, Rudy Gobert, to the Minnesota Timberwolves. It was a huge trade package as the Timberwolves parted ways with five players, four unprotected first-round draft picks, and one pick swap. It was essentially five draft picks if you include Walker Kessler, who was the No. 22 overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft.
Attention quickly turned to what the team would do with their other All-Star, Donovan Mitchell. Reports have been mixed about what is next in Salt Lake City, as the Jazz are reportedly committed to rebuilding around him.
LATEST NBA NEWS AND TRADE RUMORS: Does Donovan Mitchell Want To Leave Utah Jazz?
However, there are people around the league who believe it is only a matter of time until Mitchell issues a trade request of his own. There is certainly a chance that Mitchell will be on the move, especially if what was shared on Brian Windhorst & The Hoop Collective podcast where it was revealed that Danny Ainge may not be convinced that Mitchell can be the face of a contending franchise.
Ainge’s MO when he joins a front office is to clean house on the coaching staff and roster. He has already gotten started in that regard, as Quin Snyder also stepped down as head coach and was replaced by Boston Celtics’ assistant Will Hardy.
LATEST NBA NEWS AND TRADE RUMORS: Does Donovan Mitchell Want To Leave Utah Jazz?
One-half of their All-Star duo has been moved as well with Rudy jaGobert in Minnesota. Will Mitchell be next? It is something to certainly keep an eye on as Mitchell could very well be the next player on the move after the situation in Brooklyn is resolved.
