The New York Knicks-Donovan Mitchell trade chatter didn’t end last summer when he was traded to the Cavaliers. If anything, that was just the beginning. Nine months after Cleveland landed the All-Star guard, New York eliminated the Cavaliers from the first round of the playoffs.
Mitchell has two full seasons left on the contract he signed with the Jazz and is eligible to sign an extension this offseason. Cleveland sent Utah a haul for Mitchell that included three unprotected first-round picks, and there’s concern that he might not be with the Cavaliers long-term.
On the latest Hoop Collective podcast episode, ESPN’s Tim Bontemps said that he doesn’t think Mitchell will “ever” sign an extension with Cleveland.
ESPN Tim MacMahon: “…This is kind of a make or break year for the Cavs: do you think [Donovan Mitchell] signs an extension?…”
— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) July 24, 2023
Tim Bontemps: “…I don't think there's any chance he signs an extension there ever. And if it was up to me, I would trade Donvan Mitchell… pic.twitter.com/7t8W3xzEsX
Will possible Knicks trade target Donovan Mitchell sign extension with Cavaliers?
There seems to be a minimal chance that Donovan Mitchell will sign an extension with the Cavaliers this offseason. As Brian Windhorst mentioned, it’ll be something the guard is asked about at camp, and how he answers those questions will be fascinating.
The 2023-24 season will be crucial for Cleveland in terms of Mitchell’s future. Mitchell could be on the move if the Cavaliers face a similar situation from this past season, where they couldn’t carry over their regular season success to the playoffs. Maybe then Cleveland would regret that it didn’t try to trade Mitchell this summer, which is what Tim Bontemps said.
It’s no secret that New York has its eye on Joel Embiid. If he’s made available next summer, that’s where the Knicks’ attention will be. Still, many believe that Mitchell wants to play in NYC, where he said he thought he’d be after leaving Utah.
It was a comical moment, but there was some truth to what Zach LaVine said when asked when he would demand a trade to the Knicks. There’s a reason why he said to ask Donovan Mitchell. After all, who wouldn’t want to play alongside Jalen Brunson?
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