Are tensions worsening within Jazz locker room?

The jazz appears to be anything but smooth in Utah right about now.

SI’s Howard Beck appeared this week on “The Crossover NBA Show” and spoke on the tumultuous situation right now with the Utah Jazz.

“I think they’re in trouble,” said Beck of the Jazz. “I think they’re in trouble because this thing has run its course and we know there are some tensions that are in that locker room. I’ve been told recently that they might be a little worse than we’ve even been led to believe. So if this doesn’t end well this postseason, and there’s no reason to think it will … Those Donovan Mitchell ‘wants out’ rumors are going to be starting as soon as the season is over.”

It is probably the worst-kept secret in the NBA right now that there is major animosity among the Jazz players. Other reports have recently emerged that Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert, Utah’s two biggest stars, are under each other’s skin again. The Jazz did not do much to fix the situation at the trade deadline either. The only move that they made was trading away beloved veteran Joe Ingles, who is currently injured, for two younger players in Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Juancho Hernangomez.

Granted, Utah may have bought themselves some time by winning their last five straight games. But in Year 5 of the Mitchell-Gobert era without a single deep playoff run to show for it, Beck is probably right that those widespread rumors of Mitchell wanting to flock for greener pastures will intensify with another postseason disappointment this year.

H/T HoopsHype

Photo: Dec 7, 2019; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell (45) warms up prior to their game against the Memphis Grizzlies at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Swinger-USA TODAY Sports