I mean, of course there is something else afoot. Is there something else afoot with the Lakers? I doubt it. But I could be wrong.
Like I've said plenty of times already, this is 100% why you do it. Show the Knicks you have absolutely no shame and are going to lose hard, even if you keep Mitchell. The Knicks have to have some level of belief that Utah doesnt want to completely bottom out with Mitchell on the roster. Maybe they think if Utah sinks that low, Mitchell will demand a trade and potentially lower his value. Utah is showing they will go that low and the next step is to show they dont care if it's an awkward situation.
Also, let's not ignore Stanley Johnson, who is coming off the best year of his career and is just 26 years old.
And IDK if THT is a great talent, but he has a level of intriguing physical talent. You are simply wasting the benefits of fielding a horrendous team if you arent taking some more out there gambles on physical talent.