“If Danny Ainge wants Donovan Mitchell to come into camp with that attitude… that’s on him” - NBA analyst believes the Jazz won’t get a better deal for 3x All-Star than the Knicks

Reports continue to float around that Donovan Mitchell could be traded this off-season. On "First Take," ESPN's Stephen A. Smith said Donovan Mitchell’s best chance at a new start is with the New York Knicks. The Knicks reportedly offered Obi Toppin, Immanuel Quickley and draft stock for Mitchell.

Smith said the Knicks have the best available trade package and should not overpay. Furthermore, he said the Jazz should make the deal to avoid conflicts with Mitchell.

“If Danny Ainge wants Donovan Mitchell to come into camp with that attitude, after everything that’s transpired this offseason, that’s on him. 'Cause there ain’t a better deal out there.”

Donovan Mitchell Trade

The Utah Jazz reportedly hoped to add RJ Barrett in any Mitchell trade. The Knicks declined the offer. New York is finalizing a rookie max extension with Barrett. This extension could indicate the Knicks' plan to keep Barrett but doesn't guarantee it.

The Jazz are reported to still be in conversation with the Knicks regarding Mitchell, stating their focus is on unprotected picks. Utah seems to be focused on acquiring draft picks as they commit to a rebuild.

This focus was exemplified in the Rudy Gobert trade. The Jazz received four first-round picks from Minnesota in exchange for Gobert. Smith said that the Jazz should take the offer because it could be the best one they receive.

“If you Danny Ainge and the Utah Jazz, where the hell you going? You want picks, don’t you? … Obi Toppin along with Immanuel Quickley and three-four picks, that should be enough to get Donovan Mitchell done.”

Obi Toppin and Immanuel Quickley are both young, impactful players that have shown growth in recent seasons. With rumors suggesting that the Jazz still want Barrett, Smith said:

“I wanted Donovan Mitchell and RJ Barrett together, and I applaud the New York Knicks for holding onto RJ Barrett and saying, ‘We can talk, but we ain’t giving that young brother up.’”

The New York Knicks have not made it past the conference semifinals since 1999. Finalizing a deal for Mitchell could allow them to advance past the first round.

The Knicks could feature a lineup of Donovan Mitchell, Jalen Brunson, Barrett and Julius Randle. This lineup would feature multiple players capable of scoring 20 points per game. The Knicks' next step would be to add defense and rebounding. Defensive-minded coach Tom Thibodeau would likely prefer those additions.