Donovan Mitchell warms up for Team USA’s game against Canada at the Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney Olympic Park. (Amir Ebrahimi)

The connection is strong in terms of Donovan Mitchell’s ties to the New York Knicks Executive World Wide Wes and Assistant Coach Johnnie Bryant. Utah Jazz’s CEO of Basketball Operations & Alternate Governor, Danny Ainge, has set a price and left it. Talks have stalled and the Knicks don’t seem to be in a hurry to do a deal anytime soon. Other teams who’ve emerged as potential suitors in the Donovan Mitchell sweepstakes include Miami Heat’s very own and former Knicks quitter, Pat Riley and Toronto’s savvy swindler Masai Ujiri. There’s also been a report of a potential three team trade involving the New York Knicks, Los Angeles Lakers, and Utah Jazz, as per Michael Scotto of Hoopshype. In the potential deal, Lakers would send Westbrook to Utah, he’d then get bought out. The Jazz would send Donovan Mitchell to the Knicks, as well as a trade package that included two of the following players to the Los Angeles Lakers, Patrick Beverley, Jordan Clarkson, Bojan Bogdanovic and Malik Beasley. In return, the Jazz would receive a bunch of draft picks from two of the other teams involved in the potential trade. It’s all speculation of course.

Getty Images

The ultimate trade shark Danny Ainge seemingly wants upwards of what was received for Rudy Gobert during the Minnesota Timberwolves heist. Leon Rose and company offered a lower price. Could a deal be reached before training camp? Will Donovan Mitchell attempt to force a trade? Will Danny Ainge spite Donovan Mitchell and the New York Knicks by trading the former Louisville Cardinal to another NBA team for a slightly below average price? Many factors can change within a month or two.

With the two new additions in Jalen Brunson and Isaiah Hartenstein, the Knicks currently have a deep roster especially at the wing position. Removal of Taj Gibson, Kemba Walker, Alec Burks, Nerlens Noel, and a renouncement of the rights to Ryan Arcidiacono’s helped clear cap space for Brunson.

AP Photo/Elise Amendola

2023 draft is going to be an extremely talented and deep draft class and Danny Ainge is seemingly trying to heist as many draft picks as possible, understandably so. Ainge got a haul for Rudy Gobert and he’s currently trying to keep the same energy going while trying to trade with the Knicks. However, Ainge’s wish may come through, but chances are it may not be with the Knicks. If a deal isn’t done with the Knicks, Utah could be face a significantly less of a haul for Donovan Mitchell compared to what they received for Gobert. Knicks have the mix of draft capital and young players Ainge wants. Danny Ainge is known to get massive returns in trades with opposing GM’s who aren’t strong in their stance. Much credit to Danny Ainge for being extremely good at his job. The Utah Jazz’s future is definitely in good hands.

Confirmation Of Knicks Front Office & Head Coach Alignment.

Photo Provided By Brandon Robinson

NBA Insider, Brandon Robinson of Bally Sports pointed out something crucial on The Knick of Time Show. Brandon Robinson pointed out the unity and long time chemistry in which Leon Rose and William Wesley possess as a partnership inside the Knicks front office. In other words, the old saying “same old Knicks” is no longer compatible with this current regime. Brandon Robinson who is a host at Spotify also goes by the nickname “Scoop B”. During an interview with The Knick of Time Show, Robinson points out many connections William ‘World Wide Wes’ Wesley has had throughout his career.

Danny Ainge has met his match in terms of dealing with Leon Rose and company. This is not a desperate Knicks front office. It’s also a well connected Knicks front office and a overhaul of assets and draft picks aren’t in the equation. The Knicks have a deep collection of draft picks and young players in which they could possibly keep and continue developing long term.

Photo by – Corey Sipkin

Leon Rose, World Wide Wes, Scott Perry, and others have done a tremendous job alongside one another. Action speaks way louder than words and the superb front office been executing to the best of their abilities. Even when mistakes are made, the bounce back has been superb in terms of acquiring draft assets and young talent.

 

 

 

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