Jalen Brunson has perfect response to Knicks-Donovan Mitchell rumors
The New York Knicks-Donovan Mitchell trade rumors haven’t quieted down even though the guard was traded to the Cavaliers last summer. Mitchell is eligible to sign an extension with Cleveland this summer, but that’s an outcome that likely won’t happen.
Fuel would’ve been added to the Knicks-Mitchell fire if he would’ve accepted the invite to play with Team USA at the 2023 FIBA World Cup, but he didn’t. It would’ve allowed him to play alongside Jalen Brunson, which Mitchell thought would happen in 2022-23 before he was traded to the Cavaliers.
Brunson and the United States are preparing to play two exhibition games in Spain this weekend, starting with a contest against Slovenia on Saturday. New York’s star guard talked about his relationship with former teammate Luka Doncic (subscription required) ahead of the matchup, and he even commented on the Mitchell rumors. In true Brunson fashion, he gave the perfect response.
"“It’s impossible not to see things — rumors and all the stuff that comes up on Twitter and all that stuff every single day is always on TV,” Brunson said. “There’s always possibilities when you hear about that stuff. Donovan is a good friend of mine for a while. We were in the same high school class, our relationship goes back a long way. I think right now, I’m more than happy with my guys, and I love my teammates.”"
Jalen Brunson comments on New York Knicks-Donovan Mitchell trade rumors
The Athletic’s Joe Vardon wrote that Jalen Brunson and Donovan Mitchell perhaps have a closer relationship than Brunson shares with Luka Doncic. Since being traded to Cleveland, Mitchell has said he thought he would end up in New York. However, Leon Rose and the front office weren’t willing to succumb to Danny Ainge’s demands.
Just as the Knicks were clowned for signing Brunson to a four-year, $104 million deal in free agency last summer, they were also clowned for missing out on Mitchell. There are New York fans who wish that the Knicks would’ve gone all-in on Mitchell, but the idea of the guard calling Madison Square Garden home one day is still a possibility.
Brunson didn’t say he wants to play with Mitchell, but there’s no denying the two would shine as teammates. Brunson knows that if New York were to get Mitchell, it’d mean giving up a few of Brunson’s current young teammates. The Knicks are coming off their most successful season in a decade and are in a good position to build off that success in 2023-24.
The pressure will be on next summer for Donovan Mitchell and the Cavaliers. Cleveland could cut its losses and trade him if he doesn’t sign an extension. If the Knicks are still in a position to go after a star, the All-Star guard could finally get to call New York home once again.
