NBA Trade Rumors: New York Knicks, Brooklyn Nets Eyeing Donovan Mitchell

Both the New York Knicks and Brooklyn Nets are reportedly looking to lure Cleveland Cavaliers star Donovan Mitchell back to the Empire State.

New York has often been thought of as the next stop for Donovan Mitchell's career. The New York Knicks seem destined to re-enter the Mitchell sweepstakes if he doesn't sign a long-term deal with the Cleveland Cavaliers but a geographical rival may be ready to step in. 

Action Network's Matt Moore believes the Knicks and Brooklyn Nets could both be competitors in the Mitchell sweepstakes with his future in doubt.

Mitchell (45) has been linked to the Knicks for the past two offseason / David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

"Everyone expects, and has expected, Donovan Mitchell to leave the Cavs in free agency," Moore wrote. "There's conflicting belief about whether or not Mitchell has informed the Cavs of anything regarding his future. ESPN's Brian Windhorst has reported for months going on years that Mitchell will not re-sign with Cleveland."

"One name I heard from multiple sources to look out for if the Knicks can't get a deal done for Mitchell is the always-star-shopping Brooklyn Nets, who have a plethora of assets to get such a deal done.

Mitchell, 27, is averaging 27.4 points and a career-best 5.7 rebounds in 19 appearances with Cleveland so far this season. While the Knicks struck out in 2022 as the Cavs made the blockbuster deal to acquire him, there may be a chance Mitchell could head to New York with just this year and next remaining on his contract.

Grimes Impressing in 2nd Chance With Knicks' 2nd Unit

The Knicks have the assets for a potential deal, but they have been hesitant to move on from players like RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley, among others. But if the Knicks really want Mitchell, they may need to put up their best offer before a team like the Nets (who also has a strong package to offer), can swoop in and make him their franchise cornerstone.

New York faces Mitchell and the Cavs one more time on March 3. In the meantime, they face his original NBA employers, the Utah Jazz, on Wednesday night (9 p.m. ET, MSG).