We all deserve a bit of optimism, right? There’s a chance that the New York Knicks could get a pretty big offensive boost this summer. If you’re a fan, you already know what I’m talking about. If you’re not a fan and you’ve paid attention to recent news, you know that I’m talking about Donovan Mitchell.
While Mitchell is more of a shooting guard than a point guard, his game at the one has developed in his four years in the league. New York hasn’t had a star PG in so long. Sure, Derrick Rose saw success at the position this year before he got hurt but at the age of 33, he’s far from the savior that Knicks fans have been hoping for.
Donovan Mitchell is improving as a point guard. He could always generate assists. Tonight he ran the offense. Got guys into spots. Recognized mismatches. He was good at the subtle game managing stuff
— Tony Jones (@Tjonesonthenba) February 10, 2022
However, Mitchell could be that player. The No. 13 pick in the 2017 draft is signed with the Jazz through at least the 2024-25 season but that doesn’t mean that he can’t navigate his way out of Utah before then.
As of Mar. 14, the 42-25 Jazz are in fourth place in the Western Conference. Utah’s made it to the playoffs in Mitchell’s first four years with the team and will do the same in his fifth year. However, the Jazz haven’t made it past the first round twice in recent years.
If Mitchell is unhappy, he could soon be saying goodbye to the place where he began his professional career.
New York Knicks rumored to be ‘targeting’ Utah’s Donovan Mitchell
According to Newsday’s Steve Popper, it’s an “open secret” (subscription required) that New York’s going after Mitchell.
Mitchell was born in upstate New York and has ties to the Knicks organization. He’s a CAA client and Leon Rose/William Wesley are CAA agents and run New York’s front office.
Reportedly, the Knicks want to go after a “disgruntled star” and if Utah isn’t successful in the playoffs this year, Mitchell could fit that description.
This season, he’s averaging 25.5 points, 5.4 assists, and 1.6 steals per game. He’s shooting 45.3% from the field and 35.4% from the 3-point line.
New York needs someone that can facilitate the offense and Mitchell’s an effective playmaker. He could set up the offense for players like RJ Barrett and Julius Randle. Wouldn’t that be nice?
set ‘em up! 🙆♂️#SloMoPlay | @Udo_LLC pic.twitter.com/CJYxR0zJgR
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) March 14, 2022
However, even if Mitchell is willing to leave the Jazz, it’d be hard to believe that he’d think that the Knicks are headed in a better direction. Last year, New York made it to the playoffs for the first time since the 2012-13 season but was a first-round exit. As of right now, the Knicks are five games back from the play-in tournament spot.
I don’t mean to dampen your hopes but unless New York has a plan in place for an exciting, over-the-top offseason, it doesn’t make sense for Mitchell to demand a trade to the Knicks. However, if Mitchell’s still in Utah next year, perhaps that could change.
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