Utah Jazz: 3 Trades for Donovan Mitchell

3. New York Knicks

Knicks Trade: Julius Randle, Kevin Knox, 2020 First, 2022 first, 2021 charlotte second, 2021 Detroit second, 2023 New york second

Jazz Trade: Donovan Mitchell, Joe Ingles, Tony Bradley

Leon Rose makes his signature move as the Knicks’ President of Basketball Operations! This upcoming draft isn’t very deep, and with a cluster of good, but far from elite young talent on the roster, trading away the first-round pick isn’t out of the question. Donovan Mitchell, who will be 24 next season, would be the best player the Knicks have had since Carmelo Anthony and would help turn the franchise around. If the Knicks can then go out and acquire a second all-star, they would have a chance at being a playoff team once again soon. 

Even if Utah doesn’t use the first-round pick for themselves, that pick could be flipped for a better player in a different trade. Royce O’Neale has struggled at times as Utah’s starting small forward, and Joe Ingles has been inconsistent at times. Julius Randle would be a much more reliable point forward to put next to Rudy Gobert. Although moving on from Ingles would be tough, Kevin Knox still has some value (despite a tough start to his career) and could be a reliable scorer off the bench. With Mitchell gone, it may help Mike Conley find his Memphis self as the primary ball-handler. Not to mention, Utah also has Jordan Clarkson in their backcourt.   

2. Miami Heat

Heat Trade: Tyler Herro, Kendrick Nunn, 2020 First, 2025 First 

Jazz Trade: Donovan Mitchell

A big three once again in Miami! With three top-20 players in Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo, and Donovan Mitchell, the Heat would once again be a title contender. Tyler Herro and Kendrick Nunn are both solid pieces, but as it stands, the Heat aren’t ready to win the NBA finals. Assuming they trade the 2020 first-round pick, they can’t trade another first-round pick until 2025 due to the Stepien Rule. Being able to keep Duncan Robinson in this trade is another win for the Heat. 

As for the Jazz, they get two incredibly young, and intriguing players in Tyler Herro and Kendrick Nunn. Those two, along with Mike Conley and Jordan Clarkson, give Utah one of the deepest backcourts in the NBA. Not to mention still having Rudy Gobert down low, without clogging up space. Utah would also get back into the first round of the draft since they traded their pick for this year as part of the Mike Conley trade. They could also try to move that pick for other assets.  

1. New Orleans Pelicans

Pelicans Trade: Jrue Holiday, Lonzo Ball

Jazz Trade: Donovan Mitchell, Mike Conley

The Pelicans package Zion Williamson with a second superstar! Not only would they get Donovan Mitchell, but they would replace Lonzo Ball and Jrue Holiday with Mike Conley. Out of the three trades on this list, this would be the only one that immediately helps both teams. Packaging a good three-point shooter who can create his own shot with Zion would make the Pelicans incredibly tough to defend. With Brandon Ingram making the all-star team this season, and Jaxson Hayes having a bright future ahead of him, the Pelicans would be a force to be reckoned with for a long time in the West. 

Jrue Holiday always flies under the radar but has been a solid player throughout his eleven-year career. Heading into his age 30 season for 2020, Holiday still has some gas left in the tank. Lonzo Ball is also likely to improve as a playmaker and shooter for next season. Losing Donovan Mitchell would be tough for the Jazz, but acquiring two solid guards would help the Jazz soften the blow. With Jordan Clarkson there as well, the Jazz would have an excellent backcourt for next season.   

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