Speculation surrounding a potential move for Donovan Mitchell to the New York Knicks appears to be waning, according to NBA insider Brian Windhorst.
Windhorst expressed doubts about Mitchell’s likelihood of joining the Knicks, suggesting that the possibility may be diminishing.
Amidst earlier rumors linking Mitchell to the Knicks, Windhorst highlighted the complexities surrounding the situation and Mitchell’s sentiments towards his hometown team.
“I don’t know if the Donovan Mitchell Knicks thing is really still a possibility,” Windhorst said.”“I guess it is because he can be a free agent in a year. I don’t know how Donovan feels…
“But It got to imagine, as a kid from New York, who wanted to play for the Knicks in 2022, that’s where he wanted to get traded – that’s not an insult to Cleveland, I’m from Cleveland, I’m not insulting it – he wanted to be a Knick. He’s got to be looking at what Jalen Brunson has and feeling like, ‘Damn. Like that could have been me.'”
When the Utah Jazz explored trading Mitchell during the 2022 offseason, the Knicks emerged as serious contenders for his services.
However, negotiations faltered as the Knicks balked at Utah’s asking price, ultimately leading to Mitchell’s trade to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Despite Mitchell’s affinity for the Knicks and his desire to represent his hometown team, the dynamics of the trade market saw him heading to Cleveland instead.
Windhorst’s remarks shed light on Mitchell’s potential feelings of missed opportunity as he witnesses other players, like Jalen Brunson, flourishing in New York.
While Mitchell’s desire to play for the Knicks remains a point of interest, Windhorst’s comments suggest a shift in the likelihood of such a move materializing.
