Let's Set Odds: Where Will Donovan Mitchell Play Next Season?
The Los Angeles Clippers may have broken the Utah Jazz… again. Last night, the Clippers erased a 25-point second half lead and left the Jazz speechless and winless.
After the game, Donovan Mitchell expressed his discontent with what happened saying, “It’s the same s---. It’s the same thing.”
Mitchell’s frustration with Rudy Gobert and the Jazz’s lack of success has been rumored to be coming to a boil. I believe the Jazz are set up for a quick postseason exit, which will prompt Donovan Mitchell to ask for a trade.
When that happens, several teams will stand in line to trade for him. Let’s set the odds for which teams will be at the front?
Odds For Donovan Mitchell’s Next Team
- Oklahoma City Thunder: +150
- New York Knicks: +200
- Indiana Pacers: +500
- Los Angeles Lakers: +2000
Oklahoma City Thunder: +150
The Thunder have an endless supply of first round picks they can throw at the Jazz for Mitchell. Oklahoma City has two players it can build around in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Josh Giddey. With Lu Dort on the side, Mitchell could elevate the Thunder’s offense to a very healthy place.
The issue, as far as winning is concerned, will be the defense, but the Thunder can figure that out later. Sam Presti should learn from the Boston Celtics' mistakes and use the picks to get a star.
New York Knicks: +200
The Knicks are in need of a star. Mitchell would finally be the star the Knicks have been craving for since Carmelo Anthony left. With Julius Randle’s time in New York almost up, the Knicks can create a package that gives Utah a short-term fix and a few long term assets. New York isn’t giving up RJ Barrett, which will be tricky. Yet, this is the time to get Mitchell if he wants to leave.
The Knicks are about to enter into Barrett’s prime. They need to make a move.
Indiana Pacers: +500
The Pacers have never truly bottomed out. Even after trading Paul George and Domantas Sabonis, Indiana has found a way to be semi-competitive. This year is one of the worst years in franchise history and I don’t think they want to stay here for long. The Pacers have a few other tradable pieces in Malcolm Brogdon and Myles Turner that could convince Utah to send Mitchell their way.
The fit between Mitchell and Haliburton wouldn’t be great on defense, but it would be one of the more exciting backcourts in the league.
Los Angeles Lakers: +2000
This would only happen if the Jazz were to tear everything down. Mitchell, Gobert and Mike Conley would have to be moved. This deal would also send Russell Westbrook to the Jazz so they can get one of the biggest expiring contracts in the league. A lot of draft capital would have to be sent their way, but if the Lakers decide they want to go all in on next season, this is the way to go.
Don't forget about the Final Four this weekend! Check out the BetSided team's best bets to help make your picks for Duke-UNC and Villanova-Kansas!