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Knicks should jump on a trade for Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell

ByJames Nolan|
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - MARCH 31: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz looks on during the second half of a game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Vivint Smart Home Arena on March 31, 2022 in Salt Lake City, Utah. 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 Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - MARCH 31: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz looks on during the second half of a game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Vivint Smart Home Arena on March 31, 2022 in Salt Lake City, Utah. 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 Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)

The New York Knicks are looking solid so far headed into the upcoming 2022-2023 season. New York recently added 25-year-old point guard Jalen Brunson and acquiring Donovan Mitchell from the Utah Jazz would make them one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference.

Rumors surrounding the New York native and the Knicks have been circulating for a very long time now. But the chances of it happening are becoming more likely, and fans should keep an eye on the star’s situation with Utah.

Brian Windhorst of ESPN recently described how he thinks the Knicks could be the perfect team to trade for the 3x All-Star, as they have eight tradable first-round draft picks. The Jazz have recently been collecting as many picks as possible, as they recently dealt away star center Rudy Gobert, along with defensive stud Royce O’Neale for picks.

If Utah plans on tearing things apart and rebuilding, then it is likely that Mitchell will leave in a trade. If the Knicks offer some of their picks for Mitchell it would be well worth it, as they would have a stellar starting lineup.

How would the Knicks benefit from a trade for Donovan Mitchell?

If Mitchell were acquired by the Knicks, then the starting lineup would feature Brunson, Mitchell, RJ Barrett, Julius Randle, and Mitchell Robinson (assuming none of those players are included in the trade). New York would become one of the best teams in the conference, and could even contend for the Eastern Conference Championship.

This team is a few pieces away from actually becoming title contenders, and adding the New York native would certainly get them there. Mitchell is coming off another fantastic season, as he finished with these numbers:

  • 25.9 points per game
  • 53% field goal percentage
  • 36% 3-point shooting
  • 85% free-throw percentage
  • 3.5 3-point attempts per game

He would instantly become the first option for the Knicks, and Brunson would benefit, along with rising star RJ Barrett. Mitchell could be New York’s missing piece, as he is one of the best offensive guards in the game. His ability to play off-ball, along with creating his own shots, is something that would help the other players greatly.

Draft picks are very valuable, but players like Mitchell aren’t on the open market often. If the Knicks have what it takes to offer a package that would please the Jazz, then they should certainly strike.

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