The New York Knicks have been among the most patient teams in the NBA for the last few years. They’ve been collecting assets.
The Knicks have often been linked to big names, but they’ve patiently waited to make a big move. Recently, it seems that their patience has worn thin.
The Knicks just acquired OG Anunoby from the Toronto Raptors. Now, this team’s intentions are clear. New York wants to field the most competitive team that they can.
Interestingly, they still have those assets. The Knicks didn’t give up much draft capital to acquire Anunoby. If they wanted to make another substantial move, they could.
What if they acquired Donovan Mitchell from the Cleveland Cavaliers?
NBA Trade Proposal: New York Knicks Land Cleveland Cavaliers’ Donovan Mitchell
Cleveland Cavaliers Receive: G/F Evan Fournier, G/F Donte DiVincenzo, G/F Quentin Grimes, 2025 First-Round Pick (NYK), 2027 First-Round Pick (NYK), 2029 First-Round Pick (NYK)
New York Knicks Receive: G Donovan Mitchell
This isn’t the first time that the Knicks have been linked to Mitchell. They were widely expected to acquire him when the Utah Jazz made him available. In the end, the Cavaliers would snatch him from them.
It felt like a classic case of Knicks luck. The Knicks are always linked to stars – but they seldom land them. With that said, the Cavaliers may have acted hastily. Did they err in acquiring Mitchell in the first place?
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers, New York Knicks Updates
That would be a bold statement. Still, it’s worth noting that rumors have already suggested that Mitchell is dissatisfied in Cleveland. It’s long been implied that he’d like to play in a bigger market.
How about New York?
Why The New York Knicks Do The Deal
Acquiring Anunoby was a risk – he’s on an expiring contract. In all likelihood, the Knicks had some confidence that they’ll be able to keep him around, If they make this move, they’ll be operating under the same pretense.
After all, Mitchell is a New York native. It feels like this is where he wants to be. Still, the partnership has to be mutually beneficial. Should the Knicks want Mitchell?
Sure. He’d be joining Jalen Brunson to form one of the best backcourts in the NBA. Julius Randle has been performing like a star again recently, as well.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers, New York Knicks Updates
With Anunoby and (when he returns) Mitchell Robinson anchoring the defense, the Knicks could be title contenders after landing Mitchell.
Should the Cavaliers part with him?
Why The Cleveland Cavaliers Do The Deal
Here’s hoping the Cavaliers have some inside intelligence. They should have some idea about Mitchell’s vision for the future. If he wants to land in New York, in all likelihood, he’ll eventually get there.
In that event, the Cavs might as well get ahead of the problem. Mitchell is one of the best guards in the NBA, and he’s young. His trade value will be enormous.
The Cavs should be satisfied with a trio of unprotected first-round picks. Moreover, they’re landing some players they could use here. DiVincenzo is a versatile defender who spaces the floor.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers, New York Knicks Updates
Grimes has ample potential. Throw in Fournier’s expiring contract, and the Cavaliers may not want to be patient in making this deal.
