While the New York Knicks made a very hard push to acquire star guard Donovan Mitchell in the summer of 2022, they will not be making another serious effort to land him before the NBA trade deadline next month.
Over the weekend, the Knicks made the first big splash in the trade market this season by completing a blockbuster deal for Toronto Raptors forward OG Anunoby. The deal was surprising for a couple of reasons. Firstly, New York is currently suing the Raptors over claims of stealing proprietary information from the organization.
Then there is the fact that the Knicks did not have to give up a first-round pick to land the gifted 3-and-D talent despite rumors earlier this year that Toronto was looking for as much as three first-rounders in a potential Anunoby trade. New York was able to acquire a very talented player who fits them well and they still have all of their valuable trade assets.
That is why there has been speculation around the team that a second blockbuster deal could come before the Feb. 8 trade deadline. However, if the organization does swing another major swap, don’t expect them to make a strong effort for Cleveland Cavaliers All-Star Donovan Mitchell to be the target in that deal.
New York Knicks no longer seriously pursuing Donovan Mitchell trade
On Monday, veteran NBA insider Marc Stein claimed in a fresh newsletter that “the Knicks do not intend to mount an all-out pursuit of Donovan Mitchell.” The news is notable due to the franchise’s effort to land him two summers ago, and the four-time All-Star having long been a favorite of many inside the organization.
Furthermore, with Cleveland very much in a fight for a top-four spot in the Eastern Conference, the Cavs are reportedly in no rush to move Mitchell despite major injuries to key players and rumblings that he does not plan to sign a new long-term contract with the team.
Obviously, things could change quickly in the next month, and if the Cavaliers switch their thinking the Knicks could as well.