Some NBA rumors just won’t die. Often, those are the rumors that are worth paying attention to. If the noise around a player’s availability just won’t quiet down, there’s an increased chance that the player is available.
With that in mind, we’ve been hearing whispers about Donovan Mitchell of the Cleveland Cavaliers for quite some time.
We’ve heard that he wouldn’t extend with the Cavs if given the opportunity. Moreover, we’ve heard that Mitchell has specific interests that Cleveland can’t satisfy.
By all accounts, he wants to play in a bigger market. Meanwhile, it happens that Mitchell is from New York. Perhaps that’s why this rumor won’t die.
Here’s a deal that sends him to the Knicks.
NBA Trade Proposal: New York Knicks Land Cleveland Cavaliers’ Donovan Mitchell
Cleveland Cavaliers Receive: G/F Evan Fournier, C Isaiah Hartenstein, G Immanuel Quickley, 2024 First-Round Pick (NYK), 2026 First-Round Pick (NYK), 2028 First-Round Pick (NYK)
New York Knicks Receive: G Donovan Mitchell
These rumors have persisted since before Mitchell joined the Cavaliers. He was the subject of trade rumors when he played for the Utah Jazz. In some respects, the Cavaliers’ decision to acquire him was puzzling.
Didn’t Mitchell want to play in a bigger market? Sure, Cleveland is a bigger market than Utah. That feels like a technicality. Salt Lake City is one of the smallest cities to host an NBA team.
Cleveland is a bigger market, but it’s not exactly one of the league’s most glamorous destinations, either. Perhaps the Cavs were gambling on pure talent. This team looked ready to take a step forward by acquiring a star.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers, New York Knicks Updates
Unfortunately, that hasn’t worked out either. The Cavaliers are having a somewhat disappointing 2023-24 season.
Should they respond by trading Mitchell?
Why The Cleveland Cavaliers Do The Deal
In some respects, the Cavaliers are replacing Mitchell right away by making this deal. The inclusion of Quickley is critical for them. He’s not as dynamic of a scorer as Mitchell, but he can create offense, and he’s a defensive upgrade.
Yet, above all else, the Cavaliers do this deal for three unprotected firsts. That’s the same amount of draft capital that they gave up to acquire Mitchell.
With their newfound assets, the Cavs can make more moves to improve the roster around Evan Mobley and Darius Garland.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers, New York Knicks Updates
Otherwise, Fournier’s expiring contract should be appealing to Cleveland. They may not have much use for Hartenstein, but he’s on a reasonable contract that will be easy to move.
Should the Knicks give up so much for Mitchell?
Why The New York Knicks Do The Deal
Sure. This is Donovan Mitchell that we’re talking about. He’s one of the best scorers in the NBA. The Knicks would be instantly landing the best player on their roster by making this deal.
In all likelihood, they wouldn’t have to worry about keeping him either. It seems overwhelmingly likely that New York is Mitchell’s preferred destination.
If that’s true, the Knicks shouldn’t mind dumping assets into their new franchise player. After all, he’d be joining a team that’s already had some success.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers, New York Knicks Updates
This team should make the Knicks bonafide title contenders. If nothing else, it allows them to finally put a persistent rumor to rest.
