NEW YORK — Brian Windhorst’s storytelling masterclass on ESPN’s “First Take” Friday morning put a spotlight not only on Donovan Mitchell’s potential trade availability in Utah, but also the Nets’ involvement in any potential deal. But it’s Ben Simmons — the darling of the deal with the Philadelphia 76ers for James Harden — whose contract must be moved if the Nets were to be longshot suitors for Mitchell’s services.
Windhorst, who covers the NBA for the self-proclaimed “Worldwide Leader in Sports,” began piecing the breadcrumbs together. He posited that Danny Ainge taking over the Utah Jazz front office meant a potential detonation of the longstanding Western Conference playoff contender. He said Quin Snyder’s decision to vacate the Jazz head coaching post, and the front office’s decision to sign a rookie head coach in ex-Celtics assistant Will Hardy to a five-year deal reaffirmed the thought that the Jazz might be blowing up the entire roster. He also pointed to Utah’s deal with Brooklyn: Royce O’Neale — a player who fits on any championship contender as a versatile 3-and-D wing — to the Nets for a 2023 first-round pick.
“Why would they do that?” Windhorst thought out loud.
