New York Knicks head coach David Fizdale considered pairing guards Donovan Mitchell and Jalen Brunson last summer. The Knicks considered signing Mitchell, but the price was too expensive, and they were also keen on giving more authority to Brunson’s leadership.
Brunson’s playoff performance topped that of Mitchell’s and propelled the Knicks to the second round for the first time in 10 years thanks to this risky move. Mitchell’s continuing contract discussions with the Cleveland Cavaliers have sparked rumors of a possible departure.
Jalen Brunson addressed Donovan Mitchell-Knicks trade rumors
Donovan Mitchell was traded to the Cavaliers last summer, but the Knicks are still said to be interested. Mitchell may ask Cleveland for a contract extension this summer; however, it is quite unlikely.
If Mitchell joined Team USA for the 2023 FIBA World Cup, he was likelier to play for the Knicks. On top of that, if Mitchell hadn’t been moved to the Cavaliers, he may have played alongside Brunson in 2022–23.
Jalen Brunson on Donovan Mitchell/Knicks speculation: “It’s impossible not to see things—rumors & all the stuff…There’s always possibilities when you hear about that stuff. Donovan is a good friend of mine for a while…I think right now I’m more than happy with my guys & I love… pic.twitter.com/iNpyxohth0
— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) August 11, 2023
Brunson addressed these claims and Mitchell’s connection before Team USA’s Spain exhibition games. “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.”
He further talked about his lengthy friendship with Mitchell and his delight with the Knicks.
Brunson and Mitchell may be closer friends than Luka Doncic. Mitchell wanted to join the Knicks, but Danny Ainge’s demands were rejected. Brunson does not advocate playing with Mitchell, even though they complement each other.
The Knicks are hopeful about the 2023–24 season following a solid season, and obtaining Brunson may entail dealing away some of his teammates.
The Cavs need to act fast on Donovan Mitchell otherwise he might accept a trade offer. Keeping the Knicks in a position to sign stars may allow Mitchell to return to New York.
Cavaliers to potentially trade Donovan Mitchell when their season fails
It becomes clear that the Cleveland Cavaliers’ moves this summer had a strategic goal in mind. It would appear that the team’s focus is on improving their starting five in the hopes of winning over Donovan Mitchell. The Cavaliers’ previous season ended on a down note, as they were eliminated from the playoffs by the New York Knicks in five games in the first round.
The future, however, seems bright with up-and-coming stars like Darius Garland and Evan Mobley. Mitchell wants more significant wins in his career and thinks he can get there by surpassing his achievements with the Utah Jazz. Whether or if he is successful in Cleveland may depend on how well he does in the playoffs.
The Cavaliers will be under intense scrutiny this coming season. The next season promises to be exciting for Cavs supporters and basketball lovers alike; however, the actual results remain to be seen.
