jazz trade Donovan Mitchell to the cavaliers Caught the NBA off guard. Rumors circulated that the Cavaliers were interestedbut sources told NBC Sports (and others have reported as well) that the Knicks remain the clear frontrunner.
In the wake of the surprise deal, much speculation and finger pointing has taken place, analyzing what caused Mitchell to end up with wine and gold. It is said that he is dissatisfied with the executives appeared in their playoff games, Received fewer offers from the Cavaliers nonetheless.
Utah executives are shooting it down ESPN’s Zach Lowe said on the Lowe Post podcast with Ian Begley: (Hat tip Real GM).
“I’ve seen some reports, forgive me I don’t remember. Who said, ‘Well, the Jazz were upset. Donovan Mitchell probably went all-out in Utah forever. I wasn’t in, so as punishment I’m sending him to a place where he’s not.” “I don’t want to go,” Zach Lowe said on the podcast.
“Emotions can play into this. , I’m not going to make a decision based on what happened four months ago or whatever.
I won’t say never, but smart and seasoned executives strive to keep emotion out of most decision-making. The NBA can be a callous and difficult business, and Reed has moments in his executive when logic and what’s best for the team overturn that sentiment. Ainge believes he did it here.
Whether Ainge and the Jazz made the right choice is debatable — take two unsuspecting picks from the Knicks franchise that has been tumultuous in recent decades, or a powerhouse that could be a force. Take three picks from a Cavaliers team set up with a young core? Over five years? The same goes for pick swaps between the Knicks and Cavaliers: which team is more likely to finish worse than the Jazz in four or six years?
The Jazz called and asked for more picks. It will be years before we know if it was right.
But it was not made out of malice.
