3 ripple effects of Knicks not trading for Donovan Mitchell

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 16: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz looks on during the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena on February 16, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images) /

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Immanuel Quickley, New York Knicks. (Photo by Tom Horak/USA TODAY Sports) /

2: Knicks’ outlook in the Eastern Conference

Regardless of how you feel about the Knicks’ role in Donovan Mitchell going to the Cavaliers, the Eastern Conference got even tougher on Thursday. At the top of the conference sits the Boston Celtics, Milwaukee Bucks, Brooklyn Nets, and the Philadelphia Sixers (in no particular order). As you can see, before the Mitchell trade, the conference was stacked as is.

New York finished in 11th place in the East in 2021-22 with a 37-45 record and came up short of the play-in tournament. The Knicks certainly shouldn’t be counted out in 2022-23, but it’s going to be difficult for the team to finish the season with a playoff berth.

It’s fair to assume that New York will be competing in the play-in tournament for a spot in the playoffs. The Detroit Pistons, the Washington Wizards, and the Orlando Magic could claw their way to the play-in tournament as well. Teams such as the Indiana Pacers and the Charlotte Hornets (even with LaMelo Ball) will likely finish at the bottom of the conference.

The Knicks aren’t going to be a contender, but they’re going to compete. If RJ Barrett can help to lead New York back to the playoffs for the second time in three years, that’d be huge.

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