The New York Knicks have a long way to go before they are ready for the NBA Finals, there is no doubt about that.
But they might possibly be making a move that will get them closer to that point.
The latest reports say that the Knicks and Utah Jazz are discussing a deal to send Donovan Mitchell to the Big Apple.
That would be a major acquisition for the Knicks and would put them on the path to being a lot better.
And it would also put them on the path to getting more stars.
The thing people don’t realize: If the Knicks trade for Donovan Mitchell now, that makes them down the road an appealing destination for an even bigger star player in the future.
— Max Wildstein (@MaxWildstein) July 14, 2022
As Max Wildstein points out, if the Knicks land Mitchell now, they will become an “appealing destination for an even bigger star player in the future.”
This a great point: Mitchell will enhance the team’s prospects right now but he will also make the team more attractive for other superstars too.
Is this the beginning of the next chapter for the Knicks?
New, Improved Knicks
Just a couple of seasons ago, it looked like New York was on the right track.
Led by the powerful Julius Randle, things were going well for New York.
But that didn’t last long and last season was an absolute train wreck for the Knicks and now the team is looking to possibly really shake things up.
They will need a shake-up if they wish to land Mitchell because the Jazz won’t trade him for anything but the very best package.
Some of the biggest names on the New York roster could be on the trading block in order to get Mitchell.
But that could really be a huge step on the way to even more stars.
Superstars want to play alongside superstars, the last few years in the league have taught us that.
A new super team could be brewing in New York over the next few years if Mitchell decides to call New York home.
As far as I’m concerned, the Knicks should walk away from this Donovan Mitchell trade if it’s any more than 2 unprotected firsts. They can obviously toss in the other firsts acquired in trades. Then they can toss in Cam, Quickly, Fournier and/or McBride and that’s the offer, If Utah doesn’t like it, tell them to go pound sand. It’s better to let Utah languish in mediocrity with an unhappy star who will eventually force a trade. At that point, the price will come down. In the meantime, let Brunson capably run the point, see if Grimes is a star on the rise, and find out if Randle can return to old form. If those three things happen, Mitchell and his suspect defense will be moot.