The NBA playoffs are officially underway, and the Knicks are home after missing out on a chance for back-to-back postseason appearances.
Well, at least the Knicks players are home.
ESPN's Tim MacMahon reported that a "strong Knicks contingent," including Allan Houston and executive vice president William Wesley, are in attendance for game one of the Jazz and Mavericks, providing intriguing possibilities on both sides.
For Utah, the obvious connection is Donovan Mitchell, the New York native and three-time All-Star who has voiced frustration with Utah's late-season slump. Mitchell signed a five-year extension with the Jazz in 2020, but could voice his desire for a trade if Utah is bounced early from the playoffs once again, giving New York a chance to land the star player that have coveted since making a blockbuster deal for Carmelo Anthony over a year ago.
On the Mavericks side, Jalen Brunson represents an obvious candidate given the team's struggles to find a formidable point guard. Per SNY's Ian Begley, the Knicks "touched base" with Dallas regarding Brunson prior to the trade deadline, and the New Jersey native (though he grew up in Illinois) is reportedly atop the team's wish list this offseason. Brunson could be looking to play somewhere where he isn't blocked by Luka Doncic, and the Knicks could oblige.
Brunson will be an unrestricted free agent this summer.
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