From the moment Jazz general manager Justin Zanik refuted his statement that Donovan Mitchell was untouchable in a potential trade in July, discussions surrounding the Knicks’ interest in putting together a trade package for Mitchell began to heat up.
However, following the news that Utah traded Mitchell to the Cavaliers for three unprotected first-round draft picks (2025, ’27 and ’29) and two pick swaps (’26 and ’28) on Thursday, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported that the Knicks put together a notable initial offer before center Mitchell Robinson signed his four-year, $60 million deal on July 1. The Knicks’ package included RJ Barrett, Obi Toppin, Robinson and three unprotected first-round picks, per Wojnarowski. However, the Jazz declined the offer, leading to Robinson signing his deal.
Even in its earliest negotiations that began nearly two months ago, New York made it clear that it had no interest in including guard RJ Barrett in the deal in pursuit of Mitchell. However, Wojnarowski reported that Utah and New York “inched closer” in a trade for Mitchell on Sunday night into Monday that included Barrett and Quentin Grimes. However, the Knicks were reluctant, per Wojnarowski.
