Donovan Mitchell Trade Rumors: Knicks ‘Ship Has Sailed’ Ahead of 2024 NBA Free Agency

Two years ago, Donovan Mitchell thought he’d be a New York Knick.

It doesn’t seem like that dream has any chance of becoming a reality—even if the Cleveland Cavaliers explore trading Mitchell this summer.

Michael Scotto of HoopsHype reported the “ship has sailed” on Mitchell landing with the Knicks, who are again expected to explore adding a star to pair with Jalen Brunson.

Mitchell and Brunson would, at best, be an awkward mix of talent. Both players are at their most effective with the ball in their hands and are undersized at their respective guard positions.

The Cavaliers have had issues with the Mitchell-Darius Garland pairing over the last two seasons for that exact reason, and it wouldn’t make sense for the Knicks to repeat that mistake. Adding Mitchell would negate much of what has turned Brunson into a superstar, all without guaranteeing a better postseason return.

If the Knicks add a star over the summer, they will likely keep their focus on the wings or a potential big to replace Julius Randle. New York reached the second round of the playoffs while Randle was out of the lineup, potentially paving the way for the Knicks to explore life without him in the long term.

Scotto mentions Minnesota Timberwolves star Karl-Anthony Towns as a potential target if he becomes available over the summer in a financial crunch.

As far as Mitchell goes, his future is in his hands. The Cavaliers will almost certainly offer him a max contract extension this summer. If he declines the extension, it will send a signal that he has no interest in remaining in Cleveland over the long term, which would spur a necessary exploration of his trade market.