An NBA insider suggests that despite rumored interest, the Knicks are unlikely to finalize their anticipated blockbuster acquisition.
The ongoing saga between Donovan Mitchell and the New York Knicks appears to have no end in sight, but ESPN’s Brian Windhorst dismisses the likelihood of the two parties uniting in the future.
“I’m not sure if the Donovan Mitchell Knicks scenario is still viable,” remarked Windhorst on ESPN’s First Take (via Cavaliers Nation). “I suppose it could be since he becomes a free agent in a year. I’m uncertain about Donovan’s sentiments. As a New York native who aspired to play for the Knicks in 2022, one would assume that’s where he desired to be traded.”
Mitchell’s association with the Knicks has persisted in the media for some time. Before his trade to the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2022, many believed Mitchell would end up with the Knicks, including the player himself.
Given Mitchell’s hometown ties, the notion of him representing the Knicks on the court seemed like an ideal match. However, it has remained speculative until now.
Rumors gained traction earlier in the season when the Cavaliers faced injuries to Evan Mobley and Darius Garland. However, their resurgence, led by Mitchell, has quelled such speculation, with the team currently holding the second spot in the Eastern Conference.
This season, the Knicks opted for bolstering their depth rather than pursuing a superstar like Mitchell. They focused on acquiring strong supporting pieces to complement their All-Stars, Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle.
Despite showcasing dominance when healthy, the Knicks have yet to field their optimal playoff lineup due to injuries to Randle and OG Anunoby.
The possibility of a playoff rematch between the Knicks and Cavaliers could reignite rumors about Mitchell’s potential move to New York. However, until Mitchell enters free agency, such discussions are likely to remain unsubstantiated.
For now, both the Knicks and Cavaliers will concentrate on their current rosters and vie with their primary cores in the fiercely competitive Eastern Conference playoff race.
