1 Major Factor Ended Knicks’ Donovan Mitchell Trade

Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers, New York Knicks, NBA Trade Rumors
NBA Analysis Network

This week has been a tough one for the New York Knicks. After seemingly making some progress toward acquiring NBA All-Star Donovan Mitchell from the Utah Jazz, they were once again left at the altar.

The Knicks and Jazz negotiated on and off for weeks, submitting proposals to each other trying to find some common ground. However, after the latest stalemate, the Cleveland Cavaliers swooped in and worked out a deal with the Jazz for the three-time All-Star.

Mitchell is on his way to Cleveland, not to his hometown Knicks. The Cleveland Cavaliers traded Lauri Markkanen, Collin Sexton and Ochai Agbaji, unprotected first-round picks in 2025, 2027 and 2029 and pick swaps in 2026 and 2028 to the Jazz for Mitchell.

That is certainly a significant offer, but still less value than what the Knicks had to offer. While New York never went all-in, even their last offers were stronger in many people’s opinions. So, why did they not land Donovan Mitchell?

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Cleveland Cavaliers, New York Knicks & Utah Jazz Updates

According to Brian Windhorst during a recent episode of Brian Windhorst & The Hoop Collective, some bad blood had brewed between the sides and things became too much to overcome. He detailed how things went down on Monday when the Knicks presented the Jazz with an offer and ended up being the last time a trade was discussed.

“A wrecking ball hit when the Knicks and Jazz wouldn’t come to terms,” said Brian Windhorst. “I don’t know who said no. I don’t know if it was the Knicks who said no, or the Jazz who said no. The Knicks went ahead and signed RJ Barrett to a contract extension on Monday.

“That created an incredible amount of animus between the two organizations. I definitely felt it in talking to people over the last 24 hours. I will tell you that even though I felt that there was some scar tissue there, I was saying ‘It is only August 31st, September 1st. That doesn’t mean they’re not going to do a deal.'”

It had been reported that the Knicks set a deadline of Monday to accept the offer that was on the table. When the Jazz declined and asked for more, they moved on to other business, which was agreeing to a rookie extension with RJ Barrett.

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Cleveland Cavaliers, New York Knicks & Utah Jazz Updates

That seems to be something that perturbed Utah beyond its breaking point as they never reached back out to New York. They turned their attention to Cleveland and a blockbuster deal was worked out between them.

NBA Analyst Reveals Bold Pick As Nuggets’ Biggest Threat In West

Ever since the Denver Nuggets won the NBA championship last summer, there has been a feeling among some that they’re close to unbeatable when it

John Wall Reveals NBA Contender He Wants To Join

John Wall was one of the NBA’s better point guards several years ago. His speed, especially in the open court and while attacking downhill, was

Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Breaks Massive Kevin Durant Record

In his sixth NBA season, Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is finally getting the recognition he deserves. He has led the Thunder to first