A prominent NBA insider expects the New York Knicks to be active before the NBA trade deadline and if Donovan Mitchell became available he would likely be a target for the team once again.
There were few bigger stories in the summer of 2022 than the Knicks’ pursuit of local product Donovan Mitchell. For weeks, it seemed like they were the favorites and likely destination for the four-time All-Star. However, as they aimed for the best deal possible for them, the Cleveland Cavaliers swooped in and agreed to a blockbuster deal for the Utah Jazz guard.
After the Cavaliers had a strong showing in 2022-23 it seemed like the Mitchell to New York narrative was dead. However, when the Knicks bounced the Cavs from the playoffs and rumblings began in the summer that Mitchell would likely opt out of his contract after next season to test free agency, the speculation began anew.
Well, on Tuesday Fan Duel NBA insider Shams Charania added to the growing discourse when speaking about what the Knicks could do before the Feb. 8 trade deadline.
- Donovan Mitchell stats (2023-24): 27.7 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 5.5 APG, 1.8 SPG, 35% 3PT
“I could see them being active, for sure, in the trade market,” Charania said. “They are definitely monitoring every star that could be available. Could that be Donovan Mitchell?”
Could Donovan Mitchell become available to the New York Knicks before Feb. 8?
Entering the new year the Knicks and Cavaliers are in similar positions and in a fight to get the fourth spot and home-court advantage in the Eastern Conference playoffs. However, is that enough for the Cavs? Like New York, they are another big piece away from making serious noise in the postseason, however, they don’t have the assets to do so like the Knicks.
Since there have been rumblings that Mitchell does not intend to stay in Cleveland long-term, if the organization wanted to regain the assets they lost in trading for him, moving him with a full year and a player option left on his contract would be a worthwhile decision.
The Knicks wanted Mitchell after adding budding superstar Jalen Brunson last year and that is unlikely to have changed in the time since. What is interesting is that this time around they may be able to get him at a lower rate with the Cavs in a less advantageous position than the Jazz were in 2022.
