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Timberwolves 'Disappointed' in Anthony Edwards for Use Of Anti-Gay Language on Video

Sep 12, 2022
MIAMI, FLORIDA - MARCH 12: Anthony Edwards #1 of the Minnesota Timberwolves in action against the Miami Heat at FTX Arena on March 12, 2022 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FLORIDA - MARCH 12: Anthony Edwards #1 of the Minnesota Timberwolves in action against the Miami Heat at FTX Arena on March 12, 2022 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

Minnesota Timberwolves president of basketball operations Tim Connelly said the franchise was "disappointed" by recent comments made by Anthony Edwards on social media.

On Instagram, Edwards posted a video (warning: video contains anti-gay language and a racial slur) in which he showed a group of men and said, "Look at these queer-ass n---as."

Connelly released a statement on the matter Monday: "We are disappointed in the language and actions Anthony Edwards displayed on social media. The Timberwolves are committed to being an inclusive and welcoming organization for all and apologize for the offense this has caused to so many."

Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch also told KSTP's Darren Wolfson the situation was a "teachable moment" and "certainly not something we condone."

Edwards apologized Sunday, calling his words "immature, hurtful, and disrespectful."

PFLAG (Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) told TMZ Sports that it is "ready to help" Edwards if he's open to it.

"The impact that public figures like professional athletes have is tremendous, and in this case, the message that was sent was of shame and ridicule," PFLAG told TMZ Sports. "But PFLAG believes that allies are all on a journey, and we hope this will be the beginning of a journey towards allyship for Anthony Edwards—and we're here and ready to help."

The 21-year-old is approaching his third season in the NBA. He averaged 21.3 points and 3.8 assists last year, helping Minnesota reach the playoffs for the first time since 2018.

If recent history is an indicator, the league could decide to weigh in on Edwards' comments.

Brooklyn Nets star Kevin Durant received a $50,000 fine in April 2021 after actor Michael Rapoport shared private messages in which the 12-time All-Star used anti-gay and misogynistic language.

Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic had to write a $25,000 check after he used an anti-gay remark in a postgame interview.

NBA Rumors: Jazz Feel They Have Trades Available for Conley, Bogdanovic, Clarkson

Sep 12, 2022
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - JUNE 10: Bojan Bogdanovic #44 of the Utah Jazz puts his arm around teammate Jordan Clarkson #00 during the game against the LA Clippers during Round 2, Game 2 of the 2021 NBA Playoffs on June 10, 2021 at vivint.SmartHome Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2021 NBAE (Photo by Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - JUNE 10: Bojan Bogdanovic #44 of the Utah Jazz puts his arm around teammate Jordan Clarkson #00 during the game against the LA Clippers during Round 2, Game 2 of the 2021 NBA Playoffs on June 10, 2021 at vivint.SmartHome Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2021 NBAE (Photo by Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images)

The Utah Jazz probably aren't done wheeling and dealing.

With the team in a full rebuilding mode and trades involving Donovan Mitchell, Rudy Gobert and Patrick Beverley already completed, the Jazz may turn to trading away some of their veteran role players, per ESPN's Ramona Shelburne:

Shelburne added that the Jazz feel they could get a first-round pick in return for each of Bojan Bogdanovic, Mike Conley Jr. and Jordan Clarkson but "are not in any hurry to make these decisions now."

In other words, the team is going to extract every last drop of value it can out of trading veterans who would bolster a number of contenders. As the NBA season gets underway and contenders naturally face some injuries and roster questions, it's possible all three could only see their trade value increase.

Bogdanovic, 33, would make sense for teams looking to add perimeter shooting and scoring. He's a career 39.2 percent shooter from beyond the arc and averaged 18.1 points per game last season.

Conley appears past his prime, but the 34-year-old still averaged a solid 13.7 points and 5.3 assists in 72 games last year, shooting 40.8 percent from three. Teams in need of a savvy veteran playmaker make sense as potential suitors.

Clarkson, 30, is pretty firmly in his prime. The 2020-21 Sixth Man of the Year award winner is one of the league's best bench scorers, putting up a solid 16.0 points per game on 41.9 percent shooting from the field last season. Perimeter shooters who can find their own shot are always valuable come the postseason, and Clarkson should be very much in demand on the trade market.

The Jazz have 13 first-round picks, with varying protections, through the 2029 draft after the Mitchell and Gobert trades. Inevitable deals for Bogdanovic, Conley and Clarkson should add to that haul.

Wolves' Karl-Anthony Towns: 'I'm One of the Best Offensive Players' in NBA History

Sep 12, 2022
LOS ANGELES, CA - AUGUST 23: Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the Minnesota Timberwolves participates in an offseason workout at Proactive Sports Performance on August 23, 2022 in Westlake Village, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - AUGUST 23: Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the Minnesota Timberwolves participates in an offseason workout at Proactive Sports Performance on August 23, 2022 in Westlake Village, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images)

Karl-Anthony Towns appears determined to prove his doubters wrong.

The Minnesota Timberwolves big man told Colin Ward-Henninger of CBS Sports that any concern over his pairing with Rudy Gobert next season is overblown.

"I think that Rudy's one of the best defensive players we've ever had in the NBA. He has the hardware to prove it," Towns said. "I think I'm one of the best offensive players and talents the NBA has ever seen. So putting us together gives us really a whole spectrum of talent to use."

In the aftermath of the Wolves' blockbuster trade for Gobert, some wondered how the two big men would fit in the modern NBA. Teams have increasingly eschewed two-big lineups in favor of having rangier 4s who can switch more readily against guards.

Towns says he's more capable of defending out on the perimeter than his reputation may indicate and added he's willing to sacrifice to make the partnership work.

"I've sacrificed at every level. I've sacrificed narratives of me. I've sacrificed possibly being the No. 1 pick in college when I fully accepted the platoon system. You know, no one else does that," Towns said. "I came to the NBA, I sacrificed everything I can, my body included, to try to get us to the playoffs. I sacrificed everything. I've sacrificed my life. I've sacrificed time with my mother. I've sacrificed public opinion of me. All for the betterment of my team, my teammates, their lives, what they're trying to accomplish."

While Towns has a long way to go in moving up the ranks of NBA history, he is certainly one of the best offensive bigs of his generation—and perhaps the greatest shooting center in history. Towns is a career 39.7 percent shooter from three-point range and has been over the 40-percent mark in four of the past five seasons.

Nikola Jokic eclipses Towns in the best offensive big man category by virtue of his generational passing, but it'd be fair to put the Minnesota All-Star in second place.

Gobert is the best defensive center of this generation, having already won three Defensive Player of the Year awards. His periodic struggles with rangier bigs have cropped up in the playoffs, and it's fair to wonder whether giving up a boatload of future first-round draft picks for a 30-year-old 7-footer likely starting his decline was a prudent move.

Regardless, it's hard to argue there's much overlapping skillset between Gobert and Towns.

Ainge Talks Donovan Mitchell, Rudy Gobert Trades: Jazz Didn't 'Believe in Each Other'

Sep 12, 2022
Danny Ainge reacts while he looks on as he arrives prior to their game between the Los Clippers after being appointed Alternate Governor and CEO of Utah Jazz Basketball during an NBA basketball game Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2021, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
Danny Ainge reacts while he looks on as he arrives prior to their game between the Los Clippers after being appointed Alternate Governor and CEO of Utah Jazz Basketball during an NBA basketball game Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2021, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)

Utah Jazz CEO Danny Ainge saw internal problems with the team before starting the rebuild this offseason.

"What I saw during the season was a group of players that really didn't believe in each other," Ainge told reporters Monday. "Like the whole group, I think they liked each other even more than what was reported. But I'm not sure there was a belief."

Ainge added that he gave the team the "benefit of the doubt" during the regular season, but the squad did not perform in the playoffs.

Utah has reached the postseason in six straight years but has never advanced beyond the second round. The 2021-22 squad lost to the Dallas Mavericks in the first round.

The Jazz are now looking for a fresh start after trading away franchise cornerstones Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell.

Ainge provided a different perspective for the organization, arriving in December as an alternate governor. He had previously been the general manager for the Boston Celtics, helping build the team that reached the NBA Finals this past season.

Though Ainge said he was "curious and optimistic" about the Jazz going into the job, it's clear he didn't think the squad could win a title as currently assembled.

With head coach Quinn Snyder stepping down after eight years with the team, there will be a lot of changes going into 2022-23.

The Jazz now have a long list of first-round picks over the next seven years, including three in 2023, as well as exciting young players like Collin Sexton, Talen Horton-Tucker, Ochai Agbaji and Walker Kessler.

The question is if they can develop on the court and create the right type of chemistry needed to create a winner.

NBA Trade Rumors: Jazz Think Bogdanovic, Clarkson, Beasley Are Worth 1st-Round Picks

Sep 10, 2022
Utah Jazz forward Jordan Clarkson handles the ball during Game 5 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series against the Dallas Mavericks, Monday, April 25, 2022, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
Utah Jazz forward Jordan Clarkson handles the ball during Game 5 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series against the Dallas Mavericks, Monday, April 25, 2022, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

The Utah Jazz reportedly believe guards Jordan Clarkson and Malik Beasley and wing Bojan Bogdanovic are worth first-round draft picks in trades.

That's per ESPN's Zach Lowe on his latest Lowe Post podcast (h/t Brad Sullivan of Ahn Fire Digital).

“The second package is Clarkson, Bogdanovic, Beasley,” Lowe said. “From what I’ve been told around the league, the Jazz feel all three of those guys are worth a first-round pick. If that’s the case, then there’s no deal, that’s out.”

The Jazz are in rebuilding mode after trading All-Stars Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell. All told, the Jazz have amassed 13 unprotected or lightly protected draft picks through 2029, per ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski. That's in addition to a host of players, such as guard Collin Sexton via sign-and-trade and big man Walker Kessler, a first-round pick in this year's draft.

Naturally, it makes sense for team president Danny Ainge to clean house entirely to completely sever ties with the Mitchell-Gobert era.

All the remaining veterans on the team are best-suited to play for contending teams anyway as opposed to scuffling through losing seasons as Utah gets back on track.

As Lowe noted, though, it appears first-round picks for any of those players would be non-starters, even if they all contributed to playoff teams last year.

Bogdanovic, 33, averaged 18.1 points on 45.5 percent shooting last year. Clarkson, the Sixth Man of the Year in 2020-21, posted 16.0 points in 2021-22.

Beasley was traded from the Minnesota Timberwolves to the Jazz in the Gobert trade. He had 12.1 points per game last year.

They're all reportedly on the trading block at this point, but for now, the trio remains part of the Jazz with the beginning of the season approaching in October.

Danny Ainge: Jazz Plan to Build 'Championship Team' After Mitchell, Gobert Trades

Sep 9, 2022
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - OCTOBER 22: Former Celtics player Danny Ainge waves before the Celtics home opener against the Toronto Raptors at TD Garden on October 22, 2021 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - OCTOBER 22: Former Celtics player Danny Ainge waves before the Celtics home opener against the Toronto Raptors at TD Garden on October 22, 2021 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

Utah Jazz CEO of basketball operations Danny Ainge believes the organization is putting itself in position to compete for championships after trading away Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell.

Speaking to reporters after the Mitchell trade was officially announced, Ainge said the Jazz "have a plan in place to help us assemble the championship team our fans deserve" following their two major moves.

"It will take time to craft our roster," he added. "We all understand the work ahead and are committed to our vision."

The Jazz certainly have plenty of future draft capital to build out their roster for years to come.

Trading Gobert to the Minnesota Timberwolves brought back four future first-round draft picks and a pick swap, as well as 2022 first-rounder Walker Kessler, to Utah.

The surprise move that sent Mitchell to the Cleveland Cavaliers got the Jazz three unprotected first-round picks, two pick swaps and young players in Collin Sexton and Ochai Agbaji. They also received Lauri Markkanen in the deal.

As things stand, the Jazz could have up to 16 first-round draft picks between 2023 and 2029 if all of them convey. They look to have placed themselves firmly in the mix to get the No. 1 overall pick next year in what's widely considered a loaded class, led by French sensation Victor Wembanyama.

The Jazz led by Mitchell and Gobert were incredibly successful during the regular season. They made the playoffs in each of their four seasons together, including being the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference with a 52-20 record in 2020-21.

Postseason success was more difficult to come by. The Jazz only won playoff series during that four-year run, beating the Memphis Grizzlies in the first round in 2021.

Rather than try to run things back for one more year, Ainge and the front office decided to pivot with a plan designed to build around young players and the draft with the hope of becoming a Western Conference powerhouse in the near future.

Donovan Mitchell Rumors: 'Jazz Aren't Seriously Engaged' in Trade Talks After Knicks

Aug 30, 2022
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - APRIL 21: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz dunks during the second half of Game Three of the Western Conference First Round Playoffs against the Dallas Mavericks at Vivint Smart Home Arena on April 21, 2022 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - APRIL 21: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz dunks during the second half of Game Three of the Western Conference First Round Playoffs against the Dallas Mavericks at Vivint Smart Home Arena on April 21, 2022 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)

Donovan Mitchell could remain with the Utah Jazz after the team paused its trade talks with the New York Knicks.

"The Jazz aren't seriously engaged elsewhere on a Mitchell deal now," ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported.

The Jazz and Knicks were reportedly involved in several weeks' worth of negotiations, but the potential deal stalled after passing Monday's deadline set by New York president of basketball operations Leon Rose. The Knicks instead signed RJ Barrett to a four-year extension, effectively removing the guard from any trade package.

Neither team is ruling out restarting trade talks, per Wojnarowski, but the Jazz clearly aren't close on any other deals at the moment.

The Jazz are seemingly in rebuilding mode after trading away Rudy Gobert, as well as veterans Patrick Beverley and Royce O'Neale. After six straight trips to the playoffs, the squad could have an uphill battle to reach the postseason in 2022-23.

It doesn't mean the team feels any pressure to deal away Mitchell, who is still just 25 years old and remains under contract for at least three more seasons.

The three-time All-Star ranked ninth in the league with 25.9 points per game last season, adding 5.3 assists, 4.2 rebounds and 1.5 steals per game. He has also proved the ability to take over in the postseason with a 28.3 career scoring average in 39 playoff appearances.

Tony Jones of The Athletic reported the Jazz are "comfortable with going into the season with Mitchell on the roster" and will only trade him if another team reaches the asking price. Mitchell also hasn't asked for a trade, per Jones.

It could allow the two sides to move forward together despite an offseason's worth of trade talk and other speculation.

Thunder's Chet Holmgren Undergoes Successful Surgery on Lisfranc Injury in Foot

Aug 30, 2022
SALT LAKE CITY, UT -  JULY 6: Chet Holmgren #7 of the Oklahoma City Thunder watches a three pointer drop during the first half of their NBA Summer League game against the Memphis Grizzlies July 6, 2022 at the Vivint Smart Home Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.(Photo by Chris Gardner/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - JULY 6: Chet Holmgren #7 of the Oklahoma City Thunder watches a three pointer drop during the first half of their NBA Summer League game against the Memphis Grizzlies July 6, 2022 at the Vivint Smart Home Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.(Photo by Chris Gardner/Getty Images)

Oklahoma City Thunder rookie Chet Holmgren had successful surgery on his Lisfranc injury on Tuesday.

The Thunder announced Dr. David Porter at Forté Sports Medicine and Orthopedics performed the procedure.

General manager Sam Presti announced last week that Holmgren would miss the entire 2022-23 season after suffering the injury during a pro-am game in Seattle.

Losing Holmgren is a big blow for a Thunder organization that was hoping to make strides in its rebuilding project this season.

A consensus second-team All-American selection as a freshman at Gonzaga, Holmgren was the No. 2 overall pick in the 2022 NBA draft. He averaged 14.0 points, 8.4 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 2.8 blocks per game in five appearances during summer league.

Oklahoma City made a concerted effort to put Holmgren and Josh Giddey on the court together in summer league. The decision paid off, as both players looked comfortable with each other from the jump.

Holmgren suffered the injury while trying to stop LeBron James from driving to the basket for a layup. He hobbled back up the court before stopping to grab at his lower leg.

The loss of Holmgren is a setback for the Thunder, but they do have a solid foundation in place to take steps forward in 2022-23. Giddey showed promise with 12.5 points, 7.8 rebounds and 6.4 assists per game in 54 starts as a rookie.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has All-Star potential if he can stay healthy. The 24-year-old averaged a career-high 24.5 points and tied his career high with 5.9 assists per contest in 56 starts during the 2021-22 campaign.

Oklahoma City has gone 46-108 in two seasons with Mark Daigneault as head coach. If Gilgeous-Alexander, Giddey and Luguentz Dort continue to progress this season, Holmgren's return in 2023-24 could have the Thunder in the mix for a playoff spot.

Report: Lakers Were 'Resistant' to Horton-Tucker for Beverley Trade at Start of Talks

Aug 28, 2022
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 16: Talen Horton-Tucker #5 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the fourth quarter against the Utah Jazz at Crypto.com Arena on February 16, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 16: Talen Horton-Tucker #5 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the fourth quarter against the Utah Jazz at Crypto.com Arena on February 16, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)

The Los Angeles Lakers changed their tune on Talen Horton-Tucker when they traded him to the Utah Jazz in a deal for Patrick Beverley.

NBA insider Marc Stein reported Sunday the Lakers "were clearly resistant to the idea" in July. They decided to move Horton-Tucker in part because Kyrie Irving appears all but certain to remain with the Brooklyn Nets. In addition, LeBron James committing to the team for at least the 2023-24 season gave L.A. an incentive to execute a win-now move.

A lot of Lakers fans will probably remember Horton-Tucker mostly for being the player Los Angeles refused to include in a trade for Kyle Lowry.

The Athletic's Jovan Buha and Bill Oram reported in March 2021 the Lakers were prepared to send Dennis Schroder and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope to the Toronto Raptors but remained steadfast regarding Horton-Tucker. Negotiations fell through, and Lowry wound up with the Miami Heat in a sign-and-trade.

At the time, one could justify the Lakers' position by arguing Horton-Tucker had shown some promise and was a potentially emergent talent on a roster devoid of much youth. That Beverley was the asset L.A. acquired for the 21-year-old showed how much the situation failed to pan out.

Horton-Tucker became an even worse shooter in 2021-22, hitting just 26.9 percent of his three-pointers. His inability to stretch the floor made him a terrible fit in an off-ball role, and he couldn't play to his strengths as a facilitator and slasher because he was often sharing the floor with Russell Westbrook and/or LeBron James.

Because of his age, it's too early to give up on Horton-Tucker. Assuming the Jazz eventually trade Donovan Mitchell and go into a full rebuild, they could be a great situation for him to rebound.

The Lakers could look foolish if Horton-Tucker thrives in Utah, but it's doubtful any improvement he makes would've happened in L.A. given the organization's priorities.

The optics of this trade aren't great given where THT's value was last summer and around the 2021 trade deadline. But swapping him for an experienced veteran was clearly the best tactic for strengthening the supporting cast around James and Anthony Davis.

Cavaliers Rumors: Donovan Mitchell Trade Talks End with Jazz amid Knicks Buzz

Aug 26, 2022
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - APRIL 28: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz looks on during Round 1 Game 6 of the 2022 NBA Playoffs against the Dallas Mavericks on April 28, 2022 at vivint.SmartHome Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - APRIL 28: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz looks on during Round 1 Game 6 of the 2022 NBA Playoffs against the Dallas Mavericks on April 28, 2022 at vivint.SmartHome Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images)

Donovan Mitchell will not be a Cleveland Cavalier.

Ian Begley of SNY.tv reported the Cavaliers removed themselves from trade talks for the All-Star guard, leaving the deal as "the [New York Knicks'] to lose."

The Knicks have been engaged in trade talks with the Utah Jazz for several weeks, but it does not appear a deal is close at this time.

Utah has been seeking a combination of several future first-round picks and young talent for Mitchell, a New York native who would instantly be the Knicks' best player since Carmelo Anthony.

The Knicks can trade up to eight future first-round picks but appear hesitant to throw all their chips to the center of the table for Mitchell. Shams Charania and Tony Jones of The Athletic reported the Knicks offered five first-round picks (two unprotected), guard Evan Fournier and forward Obi Toppin.

Utah is reportedly seeking a "significant" upgrade from that offer.

The Cavaliers can't match the type of future picks already offered by the Knicks and are unlikely to make budding young stars Darius Garland or Evan Mobley available for trade. That alone was likely enough to take Cleveland out of the running.

The Knicks' combination of trade assets and their desire to land a franchise star make them an overwhelming favorite to eventually land Mitchell. That said, the hesitance of Leon Rose to throw the full boat at Utah is valid.

Mitchell turns 26 in September and has never made an All-NBA team or gotten past the second round of the playoffs. While he's four years older, the Jazz traded the far more decorated Rudy Gobert earlier this offseason for four future first-round picks (and 2022 first-round pick Walker Kessler).

Gobert is the best defensive center of his generation and has three All-NBA selections on his resume. It's fair to wonder why it's a given that Mitchell would command more in a trade than his former teammate.

The Knicks would not have anything close to resembling a championship roster even with Mitchell in the fold. A core of Mitchell, Julius Randle, RJ Barrett and Jalen Brunson may be enough to be a top-six seed in the Eastern Conference, but they'd likely be in the bottom portion of that picture.