A few notes on the Knicks-Utah Jazz discussions around a Donovan Mitchell trade:
New York and Utah spoke about a deal earlier this week prior to the Knicks formally announcing their free-agent signings, per SNY sources.
The Jazz and Knicks talked about a package that would have included Mitchell Robinson and at least three first-round picks, per SNY sources. Utah had interest in Robinson.
Robinson has since finalized his contract with the Knicks and cannot be traded until Dec 15.
In earlier talks, Utah had expressed interest in a package that included Quentin Grimes, per SNY sources.
I don’t know if the Knicks’ thinking has changed, but I know members of the organization felt Utah was asking for too much at the time.
On Grimes, specifically, the organization values the second-year guard and top decision-makers had been unwilling to move him in previous trade talks, including in the Cam Reddish trade.
Also, as of Tuesday evening, sources familiar with the dynamic said the Knicks and Jazz were not close to making a deal. The Athletic reported on Tuesday night that the Knicks and Jazz had been in touch on a deal within the previous 24 hours and said Grimes is believed to be of interest to the Jazz.
Teams in touch with the Jazz earlier in the week came away with the impression that Utah prioritized acquiring draft capital in any deal for Mitchell, as SNY reported on Tuesday.
New York can trade eight future first-round picks.
Earlier in the free-agency period, teams monitoring Mitchell said the Miami Heat and Nets were also interested in acquiring the three-time All Star.