One of the great unknowns a few days before the start of the NBA preseason camps is where Donovan Mitchell will play since the rumors about his departure from the Jazz continue to spread. The New York Knicks had been very interested in Donovan Mitchell moving to the Big Apple. Still, the New Yorkers recently reached a renewal agreement with R.J. Barrett for the next four seasons and a total of 120 million dollars, which suggested that they ruled out the option for Donovan Mitchell.
Barrett will become the fifth player in the 2019 draft to sign a rookie extension, joining Darius Garland, Ja Morant, Zion Williamson, and Keldon Johnson.
The timing of closing Barrett’s renewal is quite unusual and raised a lot of questions. We’re several weeks away from the start of training camp, so there was no rush to sign the contract and rule out the possibility of a Mitchell deal.
But according to reports, the Knicks have given Utah an ultimatum to reach an agreement; after that deadline, Barrett’s renewal would proceed. The Knicks kept their word and showed Utah that they mean business.
Barrett’s re-signing complicates but doesn’t completely preclude Mitchell from playing under Tom Thibodeau.
Negotiations on all fronts
Both the Knicks and the Jazz have been involved in negotiations since the beginning of the summer. In addition, information has been leaked about other teams interested in Mitchell, among which are the Miami Heat, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Atlanta Hawks. It is no secret the high pretensions of Danny Ainge, who, in addition to young players, is asking for up to five first rounds without protection.
According to journalist Shams Charania, the Knicks’ offer that included R.J. Barrett was one of the most desperate and one of the last resorts to convince Utah. Ainge responded to this offer that, in addition to the player, he wanted three protections, to which the Knicks said a resounding No and proceeded to renew Barrett.
But Barrett’s re-signing is unusual in that it’s not uncommon for an extension of this size, worth roughly 75% of a player’s maximum salary, to be made before the rookie extension deadline.
That seems to reflect the Knicks’ eagerness to strike a deal with Barrett, paying him handsomely for his production over three NBA seasons. In addition, it is a way to send a clear message to the other teams in the league, especially the Utah Jazz.
Will Mitchell stay in Utah?
Everything indicates that Mitchell will leave the Jazz, but his fate remains uncertain. With Randle, Robinson, Brunson, and Barrett, the Knicks are practically assured of a competitive team for next season.
In addition to completing a Barrett-Mitchell trade, you have to consider that his contract extension will change how he can get to Utah.
Until Barrett’s extension takes effect next July, his salary as an incoming player on a new team will be treated as the average of his five-year contract, roughly $26.2 million.
New York has been considered the favorite to land Mitchell because of the team’s pool of draft picks he can trade with and Mitchell’s desire to play in his hometown of New York.
Utah appears to be in no such rush to part with Mitchell and can wait until the Knicks’ interest heats up again, perhaps if New York gets off to a slow start this season.
Another option is to negotiate with other teams, something that is likely to happen since the team is rebuilding.
Still, they need to clarify the Donvan issue to define what strategy to follow. If Mitchell is traded, Jordan Clarkson, Mike Conley,, and forward Bojan Bogdanovic don’t make sense in the lineup.
On the other hand, if Mitchell stays, the Jazz can keep most of last season’s core together and await decisions at the trade deadline.
Things are getting more and more interesting.
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