Last offseason, the New York Knicks made some waves by signing NY native Kemba Walker. The hype going into the season for Knicks fans was potent and Kemba was expected to show flashes of his All-Star self and help the Knicks get back to the postseason. This obviously never panned out, the Knicks missed the playoffs and were a disappointment once again.
The Knicks have already improved their roster with the addition of Jalen Brunson, however, I think there is one more move that could truly fix the Knicks. It’s time to bring in another NY native guard, except this time, give him the keys and watch him bring the Knicks back to the playoffs.
NBA Trades: Donovan Mitchell to the New York Knicks is the perfect trade
After initially stating they would not be moving the All-Star shooting guard, the Utah Jazz are now reportedly listening to offers for Donovan Mitchell. I believe a trade to the Knicks would be an absolutely perfect fit. Donovan Mitchell’s explosive highlight-creating style of basketball would be on full display in MSG and bring the Knicks back to true NBA relevance.
Offensively, Mitchell and Brunson would be a dynamic scoring backcourt. Both possessing the ability to play on and off the ball, they would create matchup nightmares for opposing teams.
Brunson has shown his ability to be an effective second option next to Luka Doncic in Dallas. Next to Mitchell, I can easily see him taking a bit more on ball responsibility, will still being a viable option when played off ball.
Obviously this proposed backcourt would leave room for improvement defensively. Whether through internal development or further acquisitions however, I feel this issue could be addressed. Even still, securing a star like Donovan Mitchell in NY would be a monumentally important first step in becoming a contender.
Frankly, the Knicks have needed a star to rally around for some time. Since Carmelo Anthony left, they have been mostly obsolete. Julius Randle sparked excitement with his 2021 Most Improved Player campaign, but it is clear Randle alone cannot carry the Knicks.
With Mitchell taking the role of the first option though, Randle could find success as a supplementary star. The same goes for Brunson, who I feel would best utilized as a secondary scorer. The Knicks have seemingly lacked direction for some time, however upon the combined talent of Randle, Brunson, and Mitchell a legitimate contender could start to form.
At only 25 years old, the Knicks would have time to build a roster around Mitchell. However, the first step must be trading for the young star, and I truly feel that a deal can be done without having to include RJ Barrett.
The Knicks currently have eight first-round picks that are tradable, along with heaps of young talent to build a trade package with. While Knicks fans have fallen in love with players like Obi Toppin and Immanuel Quickly, the most likely trade package for Donovan Mitchell would likely have to include both of them.
Evan Fournier makes up most of the necessary money needed to make the deal work, then NY can add a plethora of young talent and picks to held jumpstart a rebuild in Utah. If I am the Knicks, this move is a no brainer. This feels like a unique opportunity to bring in a player that can truly change the course of the franchise and make the Knicks contenders in the near future.
There an obstacle, however, and that is the fact that the Knicks will not be the sole team bidding for Donovan Mitchell. The Miami Heat and Toronto Raptors reportedly have interest as well. All the more reason to get a deal done ASAP.
Only time will tell where Donovan Mitchell will be suiting up next year, however, I think his fit on the New York Knicks is frankly too perfect to ignore.