The Utah Jazz have one of the NBA's top superstars in Donovan Mitchell. The partnership between player and team has led to some success but no championship.
The Jazz seem prepared to go into a massive fire sale. The team traded Rudy Gobert to the Minnesota Timberwolves in July. Other pieces on their roster, such as Patrick Beverley and Jordan Clarkson, are sure to attract interest from around the league.
Of course, the Jazz's biggest trade chip at their disposal is Mitchell. Trade rumors surrounding the superstar have run rampant this offseason and show no signs of slowing down any time soon.
One trade suggestion from Bleacher Report writer Andy Bailey has Mitchell going to the Charlotte Hornets.
The Proposal
Bailey's trade proposal is as follows. The Hornets receive Mitchell, who would pair nicely with LaMelo Ball as the team's big duo.
The Jazz, meanwhile, would receive Terry Rozier, James Bouknight, a 2023 first-round pick, a 2025 first-round pick, a 2027 first-round pick, and a 2029 first-round pick.
Leaving Soon
One of the motivations behind trading Mitchell, Bailey notes, is the star's free agency in 2025. Salt Lake Tribune writer Andy Larsen notes that Mitchell will likely leave Utah when he hits the open market.
"The overwhelming feeling among league insiders is that Mitchell is likely to sign outside of Utah at the first available opportunity in 2025," Larsen writes. The Salt Lake Tribune writer notes that Mitchell's desire to leave Utah could stem beyond the basketball court.
"There are sociopolitical issues in Utah, too. Mitchell has been outspoken about incidents of racism in Utah, especially when directed at kids. He spoke out against Utah's critical race theory resolution, which earned him derision from Utah Senate president Stuart Adams," Larsen notes.
Why The Hornets?
The Hornets are interested in Mitchell's services, according to The Athletic's Shams Charania. They and the Miami Heat are among the most interested parties.
Bailey believes the move could improve the team in the short term but acknowledges that a long-term fit may be a bit harder to project. Despite that, the move could happen if the New York Knicks, potentially the favorites in the Mitchell sweepstakes, are busy haggling on price.
"If New York wants to haggle over total picks and the protections attached to those, could the Charlotte Hornets swoop in with four of their own to pair Mitchell with LaMelo Ball?" Bailey ponders.
An Uphill Battle
According to Larsen, the Knicks are likely the favorites for Mitchell. This is due to Mitchell's connection with the city of New York.
"Mitchell considers New York home. Mitchell has spent the majority of this offseason in New York this year. His skills trainer, Chris Brickley, operates out of a gym in the city. It makes sense that he'd be interested in living there full time," Larsen writes.
Larsen notes that Miami is another city Mitchell is interested in as well. Given this, the Hornets may be in for an uphill battle in acquiring the superstar if they don't pull the trigger on a move as soon as possible.
]]>The Inquisitr
