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Knicks Rumors: Pros and cons of trading for Donovan Mitchell

By Maxwell Ogden

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 04: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz in action against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on March 04, 2020 in New York City. The Jazz defeated the Knicks 112-104. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 04: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz in action against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on March 04, 2020 in New York City. The Jazz defeated the Knicks 112-104. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /
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SALT LAKE CITY, UT – FEBRUARY 28: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz drives into Bradley Beal #3 of the Washington Wizards during a game at Vivint Smart Home Arena on February 28, 2020 in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UT – FEBRUARY 28: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz drives into Bradley Beal #3 of the Washington Wizards during a game at Vivint Smart Home Arena on February 28, 2020 in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images) /

Pro: Acquiring A Star

The primary pro here is fairly obvious: If the New York Knicks were to execute this trade, they’d be acquiring a star who isn’t even in his prime yet. That’s the primary difference between what this trade would offer and the ill-fated deals of yesteryear.

The Knicks may very well have a rising star on the roster in RJ Barrett, but Donovan Mitchell has already achieved that status in a deeper conference—with youth still on his side.

Mitchell made the All-Star Game for the first time in his budding career during the 2019-20 regular season. His star status was established as early as his rookie campaign, however, as he led the Utah Jazz to the Playoffs and even won a series over the Oklahoma City Thunder.

In 2019-20, he’s improved to the point of setting or matching career-best marks in points, rebounds, assists, and three-point field goals made per game.

Mitchell’s averages of 24.2 points, 4.4 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.0 steal, and 2.5 three-point field goals made would stand out in either conference. The fact that he’s producing in that manner with an efficient slash line of .453/.364/.859 makes it all the more intriguing.

There have been many failed pursuits of stars in the past, but if the Knicks were to acquire Mitchell, it’s fair to believe they’d be getting a player they can build around.

Considering he’s only 23 years old and still on his rookie-scale deal, he could be the Knicks’ star for the next decade-plus.

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