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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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WASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 10: Mitchell Robinson #23 of the New York Knicks dunks against the Washington Wizards during the first half at Capital One Arena on March 10, 2020 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 10: Mitchell Robinson #23 of the New York Knicks dunks against the Washington Wizards during the first half at Capital One Arena on March 10, 2020 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

Con: Losing RJ Barrett and/or Mitchell Robinson

As is the case in any trade, the New York Knicks would need to part with valued assets in order to make a move for Donovan Mitchell. That comes as no surprise, but the cost of doing business with Utah could be steep.

According to Ian Begley of SNY, the Knicks could potentially acquire Mitchell—if they’re willing to part with RJ Barrett or Mitchell Robinson, as well as two future first-round draft picks.

"If Mitchell were to seek a trade from the Jazz, one opposing executive, speculating, said that any Knicks package would probably have to include either RJ Barrett or Mitchell Robinson, and two first-round picks (one of them unprotected)."

If it would cost including Barrett or Robinson to get the Jazz to consider a trade, there’s a decent chance that the Knicks would need to offer both in order to get something done.

The question that New York needs to ask itself is this: Do we believe that Mitchell will be a better player than Barrett? If the answer is no, then the front office should decline any offer including the first-year shooting guard—even if Mitchell is the superior player today.

If the answer is yes, then it becomes significantly easier to rationalize pursuing a trade of this nature.

The same question should be asked about Robinson.

In this scenario, however, there would be slightly more wiggle room. Ideology would be of equal importance, as the Knicks would be tasked with deciding if they would rather build around a perimeter player or a big man like Robinson.

Regardless of what decision is made, the Knicks would have to make peace with the fact that either Barrett or Robinson, if not both, could be leaving in order for Mitchell to arrive in New York.

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