Skip to main content
Insider Claims Jazz Donovan Mitchell Trade Talks Still Alive

3 Positive Ways the Kevin Durant News Impacts the Jazz

Kevin Durant is staying put in Brooklyn, and here's how it benefits the Jazz.

The domino finally fell in the Kevin Durant dilemma, as the future Hall-of-Famer could not strong-arm his way out of Brooklyn.

The ripple effect is already being felt around the league, and it could influence the Utah Jazz in more ways than one.

Let’s take a look at how the Jazz are impacted by the Durant resolution.

More Bidders for Donovan Mitchell

Utah Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell (45) brings the ball up the court during the second quarter against the Orlando Magic at Vivint Arena.

The first and most obvious is the potential in more bidding for Mitchell. Teams that were in the Durant sweepstakes can now pivot and use those resources to try and obtain Mitchell. 

This doesn’t change the fact that the New York Knicks still can offer the most lucrative package, but it can a.) force the Knicks to increase their offer and b.) help get closure on the matter sooner rather than later. 

Increases the Odds of a Laker-Jazz Trade

Los Angeles Lakers guard Russell Westbrook (0) in the first quarter against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center.

It’s no secret that the Los Angeles Lakers are motivated to get out from under Russell Westbrook’s contract. The first option of the Lakers front office (also known as LeBron James) was a Kyrie Irving-James reunion, but now that ship has sailed with the Nets keeping Durant.

This increases the odds of the Jazz taking on Westbrook's salary and receiving draft capital in exchange for some of their vets on expiring contracts. Patrick Beverley, Bojan Bogdanovic, and Malik Beasley should be put on notice and may be calling L.A. home due to Durant staying in Brooklyn. 

The Indiana Pacers are the other team that’s been linked to a Laker deal, which could make a Westbrook trade to Utah a coin flip. 

NBA Owners Taking Back Control

Nets forward Kevin Durant (7) reacts after a play against the Thunder during Brooklyn's 120-96 win on Nov. 14, 2021, at Paycom Center. cutout

First, I need to preface this by saying that Mitchell has been a 100% pro during this process and has never displayed a “diva” attitude during his five-year career.

That being said, it bodes well for NBA franchises when All-Star talents can’t force their way out of town.

Players like Durant, Ben Simmons, James Harden, and Kyrie Irving have been able to pout their way out of Dodge in the past, but it feels like the tide is turning, and owners are taking back the reins. 

Bottom Line

Utah Jazz owner Ryan Smith speaks with Utah Jazz CEO of basketball operations Danny Ainge prior to a game against the Dallas Mavericks during game six of the first round for the 2022 NBA playoffs at Vivint Arena.

The Durant news is good if trade talks with the New York Knicks really have gone south, and the Jazz have decided to keep Donovan Mitchell. Durant's inability to force a trade should help the small-market teams from being bullied when a marquee player wants a change.

We’re less than two months away from the season opener, so hopefully, this will all work itself out soon. 

Follow Patrick on Twitter @pbyrnesNBA.

Follow Inside The Jazz on Facebook and Twitter.

© 2024 ABG-SI LLC. SPORTS ILLUSTRATED IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF ABG-SI LLC. - All Rights Reserved. The content on this site is for entertainment and educational purposes only. All betting content is intended for an audience ages 21+. All advice, including picks and predictions, is based on individual commentators’ opinions and not that of Minute Media or its related brands. All picks and predictions are suggestions only. No one should expect to make money from the picks and predictions discussed on this website. For more information, please read our Legal Disclaimer. Gambling content intended for 21+. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER.