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Donovan Mitchell’s former teammate predicts star will play for Knicks

By Jordanna Clark

CLEVELAND, OHIO - OCTOBER 27: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers signals to his teammates during the fourth quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on October 27, 2023 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Thunder defeated the Cavaliers 108-105. 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 Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OHIO - OCTOBER 27: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers signals to his teammates during the fourth quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on October 27, 2023 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Thunder defeated the Cavaliers 108-105. 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 Jason Miller/Getty Images) /
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The Donovan Mitchell-New York Knicks rumors didn’t end in 2022 after the Cavaliers traded for the All-Star. After New York eliminated Cleveland in the first round of the 2023 playoffs, the rumors intensified.

Mitchell didn’t sign an extension over the summer with the Cavaliers, which was expected because he could sign for more money in 2024. At Media Day, he eloquently answered the extension questions and said his focus is on winning a championship.

The 27-year-old is signed through 2025-26, a $37 million player option. If another disappointing playoff finish sways Mitchell to not sign an extension with Cleveland next summer, the Cavaliers could opt to trade him. If the Knicks haven’t made their big star trade yet, they’d likely be back in the running for the guard.

Joe Ingles thinks Donovan Mitchell will play for the Knicks one day

On Wednesday, Joe Ingles said on 97.5 The KSL Sports Zone that he believes Donovan Mitchell will play in NYC one day.

"“This is like non-bias, no outside info, I think he’ll play for New York one day, whether that’s sooner or later,” Ingles said. “I think it would be great for New York and I think it would be great for him. Whether or not that actually happens we’ll wait and see.”"

Ingles and Mitchell spent five seasons together in Utah, so this is coming from someone who knows the star guard well. Still, Ingles clarified that it’s simply his prediction and based on what he thinks. It doesn’t mean that Mitchell will be traded to New York in 2024, although that wouldn’t exactly be a surprise.

Ingles, who’s in Orlando now, did say that Mitchell’s “really enjoying” being in Cleveland. He’s the leader of one of the best Cavaliers teams since LeBron James left, and he’s coming off a career year. There’s no reason for him to want to leave Cleveland right now.

A lot can happen throughout a season, and maybe over the summer, Mitchell will hit the trade market again. Or, he could sign an extension to stay with the Cavaliers long-term.

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