3 things Knicks fans should love about 2022-23 NBA schedule

1. Knicks schedule foreshadowing with timely games versus the Jazz

It could be a coincidence that the Knicks have a nationally televised game in Utah, but having another one just days after the NBA deadline raises some eyebrows.

The Knicks have been in trade talks for Utah Jazz star Donovan Mitchell, with talks being re-engaged within the last week (subscription required).

New York has been hesitant in talks so far, but with Utah headed into a rebuild, it’s unlikely that Utah will want Mitchell on the roster heading into the season.

Does this mean Donovan Mitchell is headed to New York? Not necessarily, as there’s a good chance that after all this scheduling Mitchell is still in Utah by the year’s end.

But for the schedule to be released with a little bit of timeliness from league officials, it seems more likely each day that Mitchell will be headed to New York. At this point, it seems to come down to what the Knicks will be willing give up to acquire him, which could take some time.

In recent days, the Knicks have offered a significant amount of assets in exchange for Mitchell, according to Shams Charania.

The NBA’s scheduling isn’t a coincidence for just the Knicks. Marquee matchups and returns to old teams have become a hot commodity in the league. For example, Rudy Gobert and the Minnesota Timberwolves are set to face the Utah Jazz within the first few days of the new season.

The NBA now has an entire week dedicated to rivalries across the league called Rivals Week, which includes the Knicks facing off in a Battle of the Boroughs matchup versus the Nets in late January.

Whatever way it shall unfold regarding a Donovan Mitchell deal, there will be some interesting and exciting storylines for when the Knicks face off against the Jazz in their two matchups this season.