NBA rumors continue to revolve around Kevin Durant and Donovan Mitchell, two of the biggest stars on the trade block this summer.
Durant reportedly has a mutual interest in the Boston Celtics, who are considered the frontrunners to land the 12-time All-Star. However, the latest NBA rumors regarding these links suggest that Boston is far from agreeing a deal with the Brooklyn Nets for Durant.
Meanwhile, rumors linking Donovan Mitchell to the New York Knicks have picked up steam again. The Knicks and the Utah Jazz have reportedly re-engaged in trade talks weeks after their initial conversations.
Here are the latest NBA rumors as of Aug. 18, 2022.
New York Knicks and Utah Jazz re-engage in trade talks for Donovan Mitchell
The Celtics are not close to a deal that would bring Kevin Durant to Boston, per se @AdamHimmelsbach “There have not even been any real discussions of substance.” https://t.co/SFS61TWeLm
Jazz not interested in Julius Randle; want RJ Barrett and at least 6 first-round picks from New York for Mitchell
 reacts during a 2021-22 NBA regular-season match against the Atlanta Hawks</figcaption></figure>
<p>The Utah Jazz are eager to bag as many draft picks as possible from the New York Knicks in exchange for Donovan Mitchell. </p>
<p>The Knicks have eight first-round picks available, which has made them the frontrunners to land the star shooting guard. However, New York has hesitated to make an offer to the Jazz that involves a chunk of those picks so far.</p>
<p>According to ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith, the Jazz also want RJ Barrett included in any potential deal for Mitchell. The Knicks reportedly tried to offer veteran Julius Randle, but Utah isn’t interested in adding the former LA Lakers forward to their roster. </p>
<p>Here’s what Smith said regarding this on Sirus XM NBA Radio (via Tommy Beer):</p>
<blockquote><p>“Utah didn’t want Julius Randle, from what I’ve been told. They don’t want him. The Knicks were willing to unload him. They want RJ Barrett. They want at least six 1st-round picks.”</p></blockquote>
<div class=)
Stephen A Smith on SiriusXM w/ @RickKamlaSports this afternoon when asked about potential Mitchell deal: “Utah didn’t want Julius Randle, from what I’m told. They don’t want him. The Knicks were willing to unload him. They want RJ Barrett. They want at least 6 1st-round picks.” https://t.co/9Nn7DuwlZe
</figcaption></figure>
<p>Brooklyn Nets superstar Kevin Durant has generated a league-wide interest since handing in his trade request to his team’s ownership. The Washington Wizards are among the teams that have shown interest in acquiring Durant from the Nets. </p>
<p>According to Hoops Wire’s Sam Amico, the Wizards’ interest was only ‘exploratory.’</p>
<blockquote><p>“Sources have told Hoops Wire the Wizards also have an interest in available Nets star Kevin Durant, although that was viewed as exploratory only. Their pursuit of Mitchell is likely to be more aggressive, sources said” via Hoops Wire.</p></blockquote>
<p>The Wizards may have a better shot at signing Donovan Mitchell than Durant. The Nets’ asking price for KD has been steep. Additionally, the teams on the player’s wishlist are much better positioned than Washington to compete for the title.</p>
<hr/>
<p><template id=)