An NBA insider believes that the idea that Utah Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell will spend his entire career with the team is “ridiculous.”
Tim McMahon appeared on “The Lowe Post” podcast and discussed the struggling Jazz before dismissing the idea (at the 1:15:50 mark) that Mitchell will stay with the team.
“The idea that Donovan Mitchell is going to spend his entire his career in Utah is absolutely ridiculous,” MacMahon said. “That’s one of the things that’s staring them in the face this summer. That’s also one of the things that has been looming over this franchise all season long.”
A defeat of the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday night helped end a five-game losing streak for the Jazz, who face a major challenge ahead of them in the upcoming postseason
The Jazz are currently tied for the fifth-best record in the Western Conference with the Denver Nuggets at 46-31.
However, the past five postseasons for the Jazz have ended in disappointment, with two first-round exits and a trio of losses in the Western Conference semifinals.
Mitchell was a key part of the last four of those Jazz teams. That continued frustration in exiting from the playoffs may end resulting in his eventual departure from the team.
At the very least, the Jazz have Mitchell under contract through the 2024-25 season, with the superstar guard also having a player option for the 2025-26 campaign.
If the Jazz are unable to find a way to make a serious challenge toward an NBA title in the next three years, it seems highly likely that Mitchell would pass up that option and look elsewhere.
Mitchell also could indicate before that time that he has no plans to sign a contract extension with the Jazz. Such a move would compel the Jazz to look for the best possible deal for him.
A decision on whether or not Mitchell begins and ends his career with the Jazz may come as early as this summer. Regardless of what route Mitchell takes, it’s clear that some serious pressure will be placed on the Jazz to either get better or begin a rebuilding effort.
