There’s a simple logic for why both the Jazz and Knicks want to finalize a Donovan Mitchell trade before training camp ideally, and certainly before the season begins (the Knicks remain the clear frontrunner to land Mitchell).
The Knicks want Mitchell to get as much time in the system and alongside their other new guard, Jalen Brunson, as possible before the season starts.
For the Jazz, having Mitchell come to training camp creates a huge daily distraction — every day first-year coach Will Hardy will have to answer questions about Mitchell, fair or not.
Then, once the season starts, the Jazz are looking to tank position themselves in the Victor Wembanyama sweepstakes, and Mitchell messes with that because he’s very good at basketball and wins games.