The relationship between Jazz stars Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell is back to being “passively aggressively awkward,” ESPN’s Tim MacMahon stated in the latest episode of Brian Windhorst’s Hoop Collective podcast. Windhorst said he has heard the same thing, suggesting Gobert and Mitchell have gotten “under each other’s skin” and referring to it as “the most underplayed story in the league.”
Asked today about the report, Mitchell dismissed it, per Sarah Todd of The Deseret News: “No, no, no, no. We’re good. That’s not true. … I’m getting tired of answering (these questions) to be honest. Look, we put in the work, we’re leaders for our team, and we’re going through a tough stretch and that happens. But this is part of the business and that’s just how it goes.”
Rumors of tension between Gobert and Mitchell were at their height back in 2020 during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. We haven’t heard as much about the relationship since then — MacMahon says that when the Jazz have everyone healthy and are playing well, the issue “falls in the manageable category.”
Here are a few more highlights from Windhorst’s Hoop Collective podcast:
- As the trade deadline nears, the Pelicans have been “pretty active looking to buy,” according to Windhorst, who reports that New Orleans has talked to the Trail Blazers, Kings, Rockets, and Hawks about CJ McCollum, De’Aaron Fox, Eric Gordon, and Kevin Huerter, respectively. Windhorst adds that Josh Hart is believed to be among the players the Pelicans would move.
- Following up on Fox, Windhorst confirms that the Knicks have shown interest in the Kings‘ point guard and says that people around the league don’t really believe Sacramento is fully out of the Ben Simmons sweepstakes.
- Windhorst and MacMahon have both heard whispers that the Mavericks are talking to the Celtics about Marcus Smart, though MacMahon admitted he’s not sure whether those discussions have taken place as of late. “I can say with certainty that they’ve shown interest in Marcus Smart in the past,” MacMahon said. “I don’t know how much of that has been recent.”
- After stating earlier in the week that the Mavericks likely won’t move Jalen Brunson unless they get blown away by an offer, MacMahon repeated that point and applied it to Dorian Finney-Smith as well. MacMahon added that Brunson’s preference in free agency would be to stay in Dallas, but after earning a total of $6.1MM in his first four NBA seasons, the point guard’s top priority will be getting paid — he won’t be interested in taking a home-team discount.
- Windhorst, MacMahon, and ESPN’s Tim Bontemps all agreed – based on what they’ve heard – that the Grizzlies are unlikely to do anything significant at the trade deadline unless they get an opportunity that’s a “grand slam home run.”
I’ve said since Sixers lost in playoffs. Kings were the best deal for Sixers. And Sacramento was best place for Ben.
Haliburton has to be in the deal. He’s the perfect PG for this team. Plus he plays D. And they wouldn’t have to give up Maxey. Considering he has shown up early. He’s looking like the real thing.
I said this back in the day !!!!!!
Ben >>for<< Haliburton, Bagley, Buddy
To make the money work. You throw in Furkan, Sac can throw in a future pick.
Me I still believe in Bagley. But Haliburton alone makes Sixers a contender for yrs. Plus you add scoring with Buddy. And you keep Maxey. Best deal
I would ask for Mitchell also. He could play the Pat Beverley role for Morey and the 6ers.
No way Kings give up Hali and Mitchell… just won’t happen. Fox is one most likely on his way out.
Fox will fix the Knicks ……. get it done
Haliburton is a better piece than Harden. Cause he wants to fit in. He’ll make everyone better, like a true PG. And will do it for 10 yrs. You have to give more to get Harden for what 3 yrs. When with Halliburton you get more pieces. Keep Maxey and let him grow.
Moreyon is fixated on Harden. Harden was never in shape last yr. Or he could of been in Finals already. KD almost did it by himself. So now it’s onto Philly…. You can have him
Lol
Media love to stir the pot for more stories. You don’t have to like a guy to play well with him on the court. Look at Shaq and Kobe. We heard about them fighting for years. Didn’t stop them from winning championships. Same thing with Jordan and Pippen. If anything, it makes you want to out compete that teammate. Makes you better unless you’re needy. Lol
I’m likely one of the few that would love to see Simmons on the Jazz. Him and Gobert would be amazing! That give and go, pick and roll, play would open it up for both players. Gobert would love his defensive consistency. Could even play Simmons as a 4. The Jazz have so many shooters that they wouldn’t need Simmons to shoot from outside. Just needs to make winning plays. That’s what Coach Q preaches. Also, Jazz fans can appreciate guys that want to prove everyone else wrong. Simmons would get that opportunity with the Jazz.