Insider Provides Update on Knicks' Potential Donovan Mitchell Trade

The New York Knicks may be interested in trading for Donovan Mitchell, but don't expect a deal this season.

Jeremy Brener | Jan 4, 2024

Insider Provides Update on Knicks' Potential Donovan Mitchell Trade /

In this story:

New York Knicks

The New York Knicks opened up trade season with a swap that acquired OG Anunoby, Precious Achiuwa, and Malachi Flynn from the Toronto Raptors in exchange for RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley, and a pic. This being New York, however, many believe the Knicks aren't done dealing.

New York continues to linger in the market for an established superstar and former target Donovan Mitchell has been one of the more popular hypothetical additions. But, in his latest newsletter, longtime NBA insider Marc Stein says that anyone hoping for Mitchell to don a Knicks uniform this season shouldn't get their hopes up.

Screenshot 2024-01-04 11.49.50 — Brad Penner, USA TODAY SPORTS

"Initial indications are that the Knicks do not intend to mount an all-out pursuit of Donovan Mitchell," insider Marc Stein wrote. "The Cleveland Cavaliers, for that matter, signaled to rival teams throughout December that they aren't prepared to entertain Mitchell overtures anyway."

Mitchell has long been rumored as a Knicks trade target, dating back to his time with the Utah Jazz. The Knicks were deemed a finalist in Mitchell's first sweepstakes back in September 2022, but he was ultimately dealt to the Cavs. Cleveland (19-15) currently holds the sixth and final Eastern Conference playoff spot and has failed to come to a long-term deal with Mitchell, who was acquired for a package that included three first-round picks and the most recent Most Improved Player Lauri Markkanen.

The Knicks have the assets for a potential deal, like Quentin Grimes and Mitchell Robinson, among others. But if the Knicks really want Mitchell, they may need to put up their best offer before a team like the Brooklyn Nets (who also has a strong package to offer), can swoop in and make him their franchise cornerstone.

Scott Perry: Why Knicks Didn't Trade For 'Singular Force' Donovan Mitchell

New York faces Mitchell and the Cavs one more time on March 3. In the meantime, the Knicks face the Philadelphia 76ers in the first half of a weekend road trip (7:30 p.m. MSG/ESPN).

Published Jan 4, 2024

JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several Fan Nation websites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener has been with Fan Nation since 2021. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid. He moved to Orlando in 2016 to go to college and pursue a degree. He hosts "The Dream Take" podcast covering the Rockets, which has produced over 350 episodes since March 2020. Brener graduated in May 2020 from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. While at UCF, Brener worked for the school's newspaper NSM.today and "Hitting the Field," a student-run sports talk show and network. He was the executive producer for "Hitting the Field" from 2019-20. During his professional career, Brener has covered a number of major sporting events including the Pro Bowl, March Madness and several NBA and NFL games. As a fan, Brener has been to the 2005 World Series, 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 NCAA National Championship between the Villanova Wildcats and North Carolina Tar Heels. Now, Brener still resides in the Central Florida area and enjoys writing, watching TV, hanging out with friends and going to the gym. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com.