The Cavaliers acquired Donovan Mitchell for Lauri Markkanen, Ochair Agbaji, Collin Sexton, three unprotected first-round picks, and two pick swaps, ending the Knicks’ dream to finally add a star and face of the franchise.
According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, New York had a competitive offer of RJ Barrett, Obi Toppin, Mitchell Robinson, and three unprotected first-round picks when trade discussions began back in July, and according to The Athletic’s Shams Charania, the team’s final offer was also turned down.
“The Jazz, in their heart of hearts, saw the Knicks as a viable trade suitor…and they did make offers,” Charania said Thursday. “In their last offer they put on the table RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley, two unprotected first-round picks but Danny Ainge and the Utah Jazz wanted more. They wanted one more unprotected pick, multiple draft swaps, and they wanted potentially another young player.”
Multiple reports indicate that New York wasn’t comfortable with the asking price for the three-time All-Star, and instead, they will have to wait for another chance and hope some of the young talent they covet will turn into quality contributors.
“The Knicks had every opportunity, every chance to try to put forth their offer and step up to the table to bring in Donovan Mitchell,” Charania said. “He would have been a really transcendent get for this organization. This is a team that has needed a face of the franchise, an All-Star player like Donovan Mitchell, 25 years old in his prime.
“He would have loved to have played in New York City, I’m told. That would have been his preferred destination. But now he winds up in Cleveland.”
Follow Ryan Chichester on Twitter: @ryanchichester1
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