Trade talks between the Los Angeles Lakers, Utah Jazz, and New York Knicks reportedly broke out in an attempt to get rid of Russell Westbrook. Mitchell would have moved to New York in that potential three-team trade, and the Jazz would have picked up Westbrook.
In this scenario, the point guard would have been immediately bought out of his contract by the Jazz. Utah would also have received numerous draft picks from both the Knicks and the Lakers.
Scotto does not give precise information about the exact package and the equivalent value for LA, as it would resonate at odds with betting operators like Betrivers Canada. The Lakers would have gotten two players from Salt Lake City, probably a combination of Patrick Beverley and Jordan Clarkson, Bojan Bogdanovic, or Malik Beasley.
In addition to the picks, the Knicks should have given up veterans like Derrick Rose as salary fillers for Mitchell. The Lakers were said to be interested in the Knicks’ Cam Reddish last season.
However, the talks are said to have taken place several weeks ago, according to Scotto, without a final result,. The report does not indicate whether this trade scenario is still realistic. But it is rather unlikely.
After Mitchell Trade: Utah Jazz Sell Out?
According to Scotto, the Jazz demands as many drafts picks as possible in a potential Mitchell trade. For them to include Westbrook, LA would have to put the two first-round picks, 2027 and 2029, on the table with as few protections as possible. So far, General Manager Rob Pelinka has hesitated to take this risky step.
With Utah already conceding four future first-round picks and one pick swap in Rudy Gobert’s trade, Scotto said some NBA executives are now assuming it would take five or even six first-rounders to pry Mitchell out of Salt Lake City. The Knicks have the necessary draft capital to lift such an award.
Should there be a Mitchell trade, a complete sell-off would likely follow in Utah. Several playoff contenders are said to have their eyes on Bogdanovic and Beverley with their respective expiring contracts. On the other hand, Mike Conley still has two years and $47.1 million under contract, which could make a trade more difficult despite a partially guaranteed second year on the contract.
Meanwhile, Dennis Schröder will miss the start of the Los Angeles Lakers season. As Lakers coach Darvin Ham confirmed, it will take even longer for the captain of the German national team to make a comeback.
According to Ham, the 29-year-old point guard has sustained a thumb ligament injury. The German, therefore, underwent an operation on Monday and will be examined again in three weeks.