3 reasons why Donovan Mitchell should hope for a trade to the Knicks

The New York Knicks and the Utah Jazz have engaged in trade talks for three-time All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell, but things are reportedly at a standstill between the two teams. With over two months left until the start of the 2022-23 season, it could be another few weeks until a trade goes through (if it happens).

The Athletic’s Shams Charania reported (subscription required) that there are six teams other than the Knicks who have expressed interest in Mitchell, but New York has the most to offer. If Danny Ainge’s asking price can come down from the seven to eight first-round picks range, Mitchell could be making his way back home.

The reasons why the Knicks should trade for Mitchell have been discussed, but what about the reasons why he should want to be traded to New York? He hasn’t requested a trade, which would speed up the process, but there are reasons why he’d benefit from a trade to the Knicks. Let’s dive into a few of those reasons now.

3 reasons why Donovan Mitchell should want to be traded to the Knicks

3: His family

Mitchell was born on Sept. 7, 1996, in Elmsford, NY, which is a little under 23 miles outside of Manhattan. If he were to be traded back to New York, which is where it all began for him, he’d get to be much closer to his family.

His father, Donovan Mitchell Sr., has worked in the New York Mets organization since 1999. He currently serves as the Senior Director for DEI and Player Relations. And the 25-year-old guard is an avid fan of the Mets, as well as baseball in general. So far during the offseason, Mitchell’s caught a few games at Citi Field.

After Utah was ousted in the first round of the playoffs by the Dallas Mavericks, Mitchell was asked about his future. He said that the future wasn’t something that he was thinking about at the moment, but that he would factor his family into his decision.

Guess who Mitchell would get to see a lot more of if he played for the Knicks? His family. And family factored into Jalen Brunson’s free agency decision as well. The point guard is a New Jersey native and will play under his father Rick, who was named as an assistant coach a couple of months ago. Brunson said that the Knicks are “one big family for me.” 

Now that Brunson’s much closer to his family, it’s time for the same to happen for Mitchell.