NBA Rumors: Is it inevitable that Donovan Mitchell will end up with Knicks or Nets?

NBA Cleveland Cavaliers Donovan Mitchell (David Richard-USA TODAY Sports)
NBA Cleveland Cavaliers Donovan Mitchell (David Richard-USA TODAY Sports)
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Cleveland Cavaliers
Cleveland Cavaliers Donovan Mitchell (Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports)

The New York Knicks as a potential suitor

It’s clear that the New York Knicks do have interest in Donovan Mitchell if he were to become available. Understandably, it would have to be at the right price. The big question is whether the Knicks feel Mitchell would be the superstar to put this team over the top. Considering the Knicks dominated a Mitchell-led team with their current team that they already have, it would only be natural for New York to be a bit hesitant and possibly feel more inclined to lower their offer on a Mitchell trade.

The Knicks have a plethora of draft picks but need to be wise with how they unload them. In a perfect world, they would trade a good portion of those for an MVP-caliber star such as Joel Embiid or Luka Doncic. However, with no guarantee that either of those players is going to become available anytime soon, Mitchel could be the next best target. The question is, would the Knicks be willing to burn a good portion of their assets for Mitchell?

The Knicks trading for Mitchell might not be the right move specifically for the franchise. A Brunson and Mitchell backcourt lacks size and may come off as repetitive. However, they have the assets to get a deal done and possibly more. It ultimately depends on whether New York believes adding Mitchell would make them a legit championship contender in the Eastern Conference.

With what it would cost to acquire him, the Knicks would have to almost be sure of that in order to pull the trigger.