Last NBA offseason, Donovan Mitchell was supposed to join the New York Knicks. He just was. Mitchell was on the Utah Jazz. It was a known fact that the Jazz were shopping him. It was also a known fact that Mitchell was interested in joining his hometown Knicks.
Meanwhile, the Knicks had the assets to land him. For a while, it felt like a foregone conclusion – until it wasn’t. Instead, the Cleveland Cavaliers surrendered a tremendous package to land Mitchell.
It was a bold choice. Now, Mitchell’s contract extension is coming soon. Already, there’s speculation that the Cavaliers could move him. Could they finally send him to the Knicks?
The Trade Proposal
Cleveland Cavaliers Receive: G/F R.J. Barrett, G/F Josh Hart, 2024 First-Round Pick (NYK), 2026 First-Round Pick (NYK), 2028 First-Round Pick (NYK)
New York Knicks Receive: G Donovan Mitchell
With that said, these situations are becoming more common. Welcome to the new NBA. The player empowerment era is in full force. As a result, player movement is common. Teams cannot expect to roster the same player for the remainder of their careers.
Is it a good thing? That’s subjective. Some will say that player movement is bad for the league. To be sure, it’s difficult for fans to rely on their favorite players to stay on their teams.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers & New York Knicks Updates
On the other hand, this feels ethically right. Players are the most important people in the league. They deserve to have a say in where they play professional basketball. Could Mitchell really force his way to the Knicks?
Why The New York Knicks Do The Deal
One thing feels certain. The Knicks are a star player away from true title contention. Just take a look at this roster. Jalen Brunson is likely the second-best player on a contender. Julius Randle would be an elite third banana. Do you believe that either could be the best player on a contender?
If so, perhaps the Knicks should pass on this deal. They’re giving up a lot of assets to bring in Mitchell here. On the other hand, we’re dubious.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers & New York Knicks Updates
Mitchell is a player who can lead a title push. He’s one of the most talented guards in the NBA. If he’s available, the Knicks should bring him home. Should the Cavaliers send him there?
Why The Cleveland Cavaliers Do The Deal
The Cavaliers need a wing. Let’s start there. After all, that points to some deeper concerns about this roster. The Cavaliers have two big men in the front court in Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley. Meanwhile, they’ve got a pair of small guards in the backcourt in Mitchell and Darius Garland.
This roster needs some balancing. This deal helps in that sense. Hart is exactly the type of low-usage, defensive wing the Cavaliers are missing.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers & New York Knicks Updates
Meanwhile, Barrett has flashed some star upside. Throw in three unprotected first-round picks, and if the Cavaliers have concerns about retaining Mitchell, they may have to accept this deal. Even if it means finally sending Mitchell to the Knicks.
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