What would a Donovan Mitchell trade mean for Knicks fans?
By Jake Brown
With looming rumors of the New York Knicks potentially acquiring three-time All-Star Donovan Mitchell, the city of Manhattan is (hopefully) preparing to welcome home the 25-year-old from Westchester County.
Mitchell would be the first major headliner for the Knicks since Carmelo Anthony was traded for a large haul of picks and players in 2011.
It’s important to remember that the Knicks haven’t had a star player to build around since Anthony was on the team. Having Mitchell on board would solve some leadership issues that this Knicks squad struggled with at times, with both Julius Randle and R.J. Barrett taking turns.
There have been some rough years being a Knicks fan. From the disappointing seasons, to the heartbreaking losses, it’s safe to say that being a Knicks fan isn’t always the easiest, which begs the question …
What would acquiring Donovan Mitchell mean to the Knicks fanbase?
First off, it would mean that some of our young talent would have to go. While it may be heartbreaking for some fans, I can assure you that this trade will be for the better, since Mitchell is a proven winner and proven performer when it comes to the playoffs.
Mitchell has averaged 28.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 4.7 assists in 39 playoff games throughout his five-year career.
The Knicks would also be saying goodbye to several picks, in which fans have been voicing their opinions via Twitter.
Around six first-round picks would be fair for Mitchell. It’s also important to consider if the Knicks were to keep the picks, it wouldn’t do them much good anyway.
Since the 1984 NBA Draft (where they drafted Ewing first overall), the Knicks have had terrible luck in the lottery, with their best selection coming in at third overall in 2019 when they selected Barrett.
It may be frustrating to lose those picks, but if the Knicks were to acquire Mitchell and succeed, those picks wouldn’t be as valuable as they seem currently.
Mitchell is an All-Star talent and about to enter his prime in the coming years. With the 25-year-old under contract for the next three seasons, the Knicks would be able to take advantage of a relatively young core of Barrett, Jalen Brunson and Mitchell, among others.
Acquiring Mitchell would bring even more excitement to a Knicks fanbase that has shown lots of fire and passion in recent years. While fans may get disheartened about losing picks and some young players, this will be the most promising the team has looked in years.
If the Knicks do end up trading for Mitchell, the bright lights at Madison Square Garden will be even brighter this upcoming season with a new star on board.
