The New York Knicks, previously linked to Cleveland Cavaliers’ Donovan Mitchell, seem to have cooled their interest following their acquisition of OG Anunoby from the Toronto Raptors ahead of the NBA trade deadline.
According to NBA insider Marc Stein, the Knicks are unlikely to aggressively pursue a trade for Mitchel, based on “initial indications.” The Cavaliers appear unlikely to entertain trade packages for the All-Star guard regardless.
“Initial indications are that the Knicks do not intend to mount an all-out pursuit of Donovan Mitchell,” Stein wrote. “The Cleveland Cavaliers, for that matter, signaled to rival teams throughout December that they aren’t prepared to entertain Mitchell overtures anyway.”
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers, New York Knicks Updates
Mitchell, a New York native traded from the Utah Jazz to the Cavaliers before the 2022-23 season, has been a frequent subject of trade rumors, with uncertainty surrounding his long-term future in Cleveland.
The 27-year-old Mitchell is anticipated to opt out of his $37 million player option for the 2025-26 season to enter free agency. Addressing his future in an interview with Joe Vardon of The Athletic last month, Mitchell deflected questions, emphasizing his current focus on the team’s performance amidst injuries to key players.
“My job is to focus on this,” Mitchell said. “We have two guys that are out, so I’m not answering anything. And no disrespect. I appreciate that you have to ask the question, but I’m not going there with any of those questions. My focus is on these guys being out, us trying to find a way to get wins.”
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers, New York Knicks Updates
However, the Cavaliers are reluctant to trade Mitchell, as Jake Fischer of Yahoo! Sports reported. The Cavs aim to maintain their core group, including Mitchell, Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen.
Mitchell’s addition would undoubtedly boost the Knicks’ roster, making them stronger contenders in the Eastern Conference against teams like the Boston Celtics and Milwaukee Bucks. This season, the four-time All-Star is averaging impressive stats with 28.0 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 5.7 assists per game, along with a shooting percentage of 46.0 percent from the field and 34.3 percent from three-point range.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers, New York Knicks Updates
However, with the Knicks now having Anunoby, a solid 3-and-D player, alongside Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle, they might prefer to save their trade assets. This approach could allow them to pursue Mitchell when he becomes a free agent rather than engaging in a trade now.
