Knicks Rumors: Donovan Mitchell Trade Being Plotted by Exec VP William Wesley

Newsday's Steve Popper reported that the New York Knicks are going to make a trade offer for Utah Jazz star Donovan Mitchell.

The author wrote:

"According to the same person who pointed to Wesley's criticism of Thibodeau, Wesley has been selling his plan, one that eventually will land Utah's Donovan Mitchell, a New York native. But this is not schmoozing a high school player and steering him to a college of choice, and it's not so simple even if the relationships are in place. Rose served as a former agent for Mitchell and the front office also inserted Johnnie Bryant as associate head coach after Bryant served as an assistant in Utah."

The news comes after an Eastern Conference scout told Fox Sports in January that the Jazz are out of the playoffs in the first round.

Mitchell has been in Utah's lineup since the beginning of the year. If the Jazz want to win an NBA title, they will need to make roster moves if they want to part ways with Mitchell.

Mitchell told Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports that he has no intention of leaving the Jazz in the future and that he would be open to returning to New York, where he grew up.

"I think I've reached a point where you're happy with yourself, first off. ... But as far as myself with the franchise, I see the articles, but I really address it with my teammates. I've seen it. I'm not too stressed about it. I'm not thinking about it. Because for me, it's about how we can win.

"There's going to be talk whether I say something, whether I don't say something because that's how I've always been. I've always been someone that's like, 'OK, they're saying stuff. Let's go ahead and lock in.' I haven't really thought too much about it. I'm happy right now and just continuing to find ways to win."

Over his five-year career, Mitchell has been a consistent scorer, and this season he is shooting 45.9% from the floor and 35.7% from deep in 47 games.

If the Knicks end up with a high first-round draft pick, which could be intriguing to Utah, Mitchell remains loyal to the Jazz.

It is not clear what the Knicks would have to give up in order to acquire Mitchell. It is unclear how much he alone would be able to help the franchise, which is in the midst of a disappointing season. It is likely that more acquisitions will have to be made.

Mitchell is in the first year of a five-year contract. The Knicks probably wouldn't have an issue with taking on his contract since he has interest.