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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 – MARCH 09: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz dribbles the ball during a game against the Toronto Raptors at Vivint Smart Home Arena on March 9, 2020 in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UT – MARCH 09: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz dribbles the ball during a game against the Toronto Raptors at Vivint Smart Home Arena on March 9, 2020 in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images) /

Pro: Appealing To Free Agents

The New York Knicks routinely enter free agency with high expectations. Without an established culture or a star to sell to free agents, however, striking out shouldn’t be the most surprising result to the franchise or its fans.

If the Knicks are looking to reverse their misfortune and become an actual threat in free agency, then acquiring a star like Donovan Mitchell should be a priority.

We’ve touched upon this already, but Mitchell’s contract could line up perfectly with a pursuit of future free agents. Even if the Knicks were to sign him to an extension upon the completion of a trade, there would still be cap space to work with.

More importantly: New York would have one of the fastest rising stars in the NBA on its roster, which will inevitably increase its odds of appealing to free agents.

The dream appears to be cashing in on a 2021 free agency class that’s loaded with star power. The likes of Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bradley Beal, and CJ McCollum will be unrestricted free agents, while Paul George, LeBron James, and Kawhi Leonard will have player options.

If nothing else: The Knicks would have a player who could take the initiative to help recruit some of those big names to The Mecca with both his words and his play.

Five players for RJ Barrett to study. light. Trending

It may come to light that the Utah Jazz are unwilling to trade Donovan Mitchell, but if the New York Knicks are able to get them on the line, these factors must be considered.

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