Why The Utah Jazz Do The Deal

There are at least two different ways to judge an NBA trade: is it fair in a vacuum, and is it fair relative to the market?

This one feels fair on its own terms. Herro is a young player with star upside. He’s two years younger than Mitchell as well. A player of that caliber, along with two first-round picks and two swaps, feels like a good return for Mitchell.

Whether it’s fair relative to what competitors are offering is a different question. It’s also one we can’t answer: we don’t know what the competitors are offering.

If the Knicks are willing to part with RJ Barrett and more draft capital, for example, the Heat can kiss Mitchell goodbye. On the other hand, if the Knicks were willing to give up the picks but not Barrett, the Jazz may prefer the surer thing in Herro.

LATEST NBA NEWS AND TRADE RUMORS: New Details Emerge About Miami Heat’s Pursuit Of Utah Jazz Star Donovan Mitchell

In other words, if the Jazz took this deal, it would likely be for two reasons: it’s fair in a vacuum, and it was better than any other offer they got.