New York Knicks

The New York Knicks were not one of the teams mentioned as being part of the Kevin Durant trade sweepstakes. However, they are the biggest losers with the news that he will not be traded.

That is because all of the focus will now be turning to Donovan Mitchell of the Utah Jazz. Anyone that missed out on acquiring the former MVP will likely turn their attention to the 25-year-old, three-time All-Star.

If the Jazz are still looking to acquire as much draft capital as possible, the Knicks should still be in the driver’s seat. Utah set a very high asking price, which was being negotiated down by New York.

However, the amount they have to part ways with will almost certainly increase now that other teams will be focused solely on Mitchell with Durant off the market.

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Kevin Durant, Brooklyn Nets & New York Knicks Updates

If waiting until a conclusion was reached in the Durant saga was part of the plan for Danny Ainge and the Jazz to ensure they could receive the best offers possible from teams, their strategy has paid off.

After only having the Charlotte Hornets and Washington Wizards according to recent reports competing with the Knicks, the Toronto Raptors, Miami Heat and Atlanta Hawks, all teams who were linked to Durant, could jump into the fray for Mitchell.

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Kevin Durant, Brooklyn Nets & New York Knicks Updates

Leon Rose has done a great job negotiating thus far, but things are going to get tougher in the coming weeks. Stronger offers are going to be proposed by franchises around the league, which will force the New York Knicks’ hands and cause them to increase their roster.