Why the Donovan Mitchell-Knicks dream is not over
New York Knicks fans have been waiting anxiously for news on any potential marquee player signings this summer. Knicks President, Leon Rose, and his front office, will be actively pursuing a top-tier player to add to their roster in hopes of moving closer to title contention.
One player the Knicks have previously failed to sign is All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell, who instead chose to join the Cavaliers. However, due to his ongoing flirtation with his hometown team, Mitchell is still worth keeping an eye on in the coming years.
Appearing on former Knicks guard Theo Pinson’s podcast “Run Your Race,” Mitchell spoke highly of the MSG atmosphere during the playoffs. While he had originally believed he was headed to the Knicks before trade talks fell apart, Mitchell has two guaranteed years remaining on his contract with the Cavaliers.
Though the Knicks are expected to search elsewhere for potential roster upgrades this summer, the pursuit of Mitchell is something they may consider in the near future. Additionally, rumors are circling about the possibility of signing Chris Paul, who has been informed by the Suns that he may be waived. Another possible addition is Damian Lillard, though he has listed the Heat and Nets as his top choices if he were to relocate.
One player currently on the Knicks roster generating interest as a potential free agent this summer is Josh Hart. Although he has expressed his desire to remain with the team, Hart will undoubtedly generate interest from other teams.
FAQs:
What is Inside the Knicks?
Inside the Knicks is a weekly exclusive on Sports+ where fans can get updates on the team’s latest news and progress throughout the season.
Who is Leon Rose?
Leon Rose is the current President of the New York Knicks.
Who is Donovan Mitchell?
Donovan Mitchell is an All-Star guard and current player for the Cleveland Cavaliers. He was previously pursued by the Knicks but chose to sign with the Cavaliers instead.
Who else are the Knicks rumored to sign this summer?
The Knicks are rumored to pursue Chris Paul, Damian Lillard, and other top-tier players to add to their roster this summer.
Who is Josh Hart?
Josh Hart is a two-way wing player currently on the Knicks roster who may become a free agent this summer.
The Donovan Mitchell-Knicks Dream: Still Alive
The Knicks are on the lookout for a marquee player willing to call Madison Square Garden home. Last summer, they fell short in their bid to obtain All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell from the Jazz. While the Knicks will search elsewhere via the trade market this summer to augment their roster in hopes of taking the next step toward title contention, Mitchell’s status will continue to bear watching over the next two years due to his ongoing flirtation with his hometown team.
The 26-year-old Mitchell has two guaranteed years remaining on his contract worth a total of $67.4 million, and he can become a free agent for the first time in July 2025 if he declines a player option for 2025-26 at $37.1 million.
Mitchell spoke recently on former Knicks guard Theo Pinson’s podcast, “Run Your Race,” and expressed his admiration for the MSG atmosphere during the playoffs. “It’s a story[book] ending — not ending, storyline. I think it’s something that’s really special and near and dear to me being able to play in a playoff [series] in front of my friends and family. A team that I grew up watching. Against a guy that’s an assistant coach over there [Bryant] who kind of basically taught me everything I know at this point. So it’s great. I’m excited for the challenge.”
The Knicks will look elsewhere for a roster upgrade this summer, but revisiting a pursuit of Mitchell is something to keep an eye on in the near future.
The future of Chris Paul is up in the air as the Suns are said to be exploring multiple options with the 12-time All-Star over 18 NBA seasons, including trades, stretching his contract, waiving him, or re-signing him in free agency. After such speculation, rumors have now begun about whether the Knicks would be a viable destination for the veteran point guard.
The Knicks remain interested in impact players, with Trail Blazers star Damian Lillard being one of them. In an interview, the seven-time All-Star guard listed the Knicks, Nets, Heat, and Celtics as potential trade destinations, but Miami and Brooklyn were his top choices. Josh Hart, a two-way wing who may become a free agent this summer, has also expressed his desire to sign a long-term deal with the Knicks.