NBA Rumors: Knicks don’t view superstar trade target as franchise player

NBA Rumors: Can we cross this potential superstar target off the New York Knicks’ trade wishlist? 

From all indications, the New York Knicks are still waiting for the right superstar trade target to pounce on. Last offseason, they somewhat passed on the idea of going all-in for Donovan Mitchell, weren’t interested in Damian Lillard, and seem to also have passed on the idea of trading for James Harden. However, according to recent reporting, the Knicks could have their eyes on Joel Embiid.

But they can have their eyes on him as much as they want. Until the Philadelphia 76ers decide to trade him or until Embiid demands a trade, which neither of those things is close to happening, the Knicks are forced to continue to search for other potential trade options.

One that could reemerge after this season is Mitchell. After this season, he has just one more year remaining on his contract and after refusing the sign a contract extension this offseason, there’s no guarantee he will next summer.

If that does end up proving to be true, there’s at least an outside chance he ends up either asking for a trade or Cleveland takes a proactive approach to trade him.

A lot has to happen to even get to that point, but if it does, the Knicks will likely be one of the teams interested in Mitchell. However, according to a recent report, it’s probably unlikely that they’d be willing to go all in on Mitchell – similar to the hesitance that they’d shown pursuing Mitchell last summer.

This report indicates that the Knicks don’t view Mitchell as a franchise-changing player and that they view him as a supporting star. If that’s the case, you’d have to question whether they’d pursue him at all. Especially if they’re anticipating Embiid hitting the open market at some point soon.

Would the New York Knicks pursue Donovan Mitchell?

A lot can happen between now and next summer. Even then, there’s no guarantee that Mitchell is even going to request a trade or even hit the trade block. Maybe he does end up signing an extension with the Cavs. Who knows.

However, if there is some sort of bidding war for Mitchell, would the Knicks be involved at all?

It’s a very real question and fair question. Quite frankly, it may ultimately come down to this – would the Knicks much rather save their assets for a player like Embiid or would they be willing to make a couple of smaller moves that potentially involve landing Mitchell?

The Knicks have a lot to figure out, and soon. The good news is that the Knicks are headed in the right direction. They just need to pull the trigger on the final move. At least for now, it doesn’t appear that a move for Mitchell is in the team’s future plans.