With Rudy Gobert now in Minnesota, speculation continues surrounding Donovan Mitchell and where he could potentially be playing next. The Jazz might hold onto him, but it’s beginning to look more and more likely that they trade him away and completely hit the reset button with a boatload of young players and picks. The Knicks appear to be the most interested in Mitchell’s services, but according to Shams Charania, the Hawks have also continued to keep tabs on the star shooting guard.
The Wizards, Raptors, Hornets, Kings, Heat and Hawks along with the Knicks have expressed interest in Donovan Mitchell, per @ShamsCharania pic.twitter.com/pF7eQgUkMB
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) July 25, 2022
I would have thought the acquisition of Dejounte Murray earlier this offseason would have taken the Hawks out of the conversation for Mitchell. There’s only one ball that can go around, and Young, Murray, and Mitchell are three ball-dominant players. The fit would be wonky, but the NBA really is all about star power, and Mitchell would certainly give the Hawks more of that.
Atlanta also has the pieces to make an enticing trade package for the Jazz. They could offer future first-round selections and an array of established young players that Utah would be interested in like John Collins, De’Andre Hunter, and Onyeka Okongwu.
Adding Donovan Mitchell would be another exciting move for the Hawks. In today’s NBA, it’s very difficult to win without at least three star players. Mitchell would give Atlanta an explosive three-headed monster, something they haven’t had in the history of their franchise, but I’m still not sold on the fit. While Murray is elite defensively, Mitchell and Young are two of the worst defenders in the league.
Plus, a Donovan Mitchell trade would force the Hawks to gut their remaining roster. I’m not sure there would be enough pieces left over for Atlanta to seriously contend for a championship. So, while it’s no surprise the Hawks have interest, seeing a deal actually come to fruition with the Jazz feels like a long shot.
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Photographer: Jevone Moore/Icon Sportswire
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