The Cavaliers welcomed Donovan Mitchell to Cleveland today for his introductory press conference, but there was no way to escape questions about the Knicks, writes Joe Vardon of The Athletic.
The Cavs’ trade for Mitchell was a surprise development that came after weeks of negotiations between New York and the Jazz. The teams seemed like natural trading partners, with Utah seeking draft picks and the Knicks having an abundance to offer. Mitchell, a native of the New York City area, expected to return home and admitted that’s where he was hoping to go.
“Who doesn’t want to be home, next to their mom,” Mitchell told reporters. “I haven’t lived at home since I was in the eighth grade and I went to boarding school, so it would have been nice.”
That doesn’t mean Mitchell has any regrets about the way things turned out. He confirmed a rumor that he was “running around crazy” on a Miami Beach golf course when he learned that the Cavs were able to acquire him without giving up core players Darius Garland, Jarrett Allen, Evan Mobley and Caris LeVert. Mitchell said he’s thrilled to be with such a talented team, which he believes can eventually become among the best in the Eastern Conference.
“Once I found out I got traded and what we were going into, that trumped everything for me,” he said. “I am truly excited to be here, to be a part of this group, to be a part of this city.”
Mitchell was a franchise cornerstone for five years with the Jazz after being selected with the 13th pick in the 2017 draft. He has been an All-Star the past three seasons and was a leader on one of the top teams in the West, but Utah’s lack of playoff success led to major changes this summer. Mitchell said he had a strong feeling that he was going to be traded after the deal sending Rudy Gobert to the Timberwolves was announced.
Mitchell also talked about having a Cavaliers jersey when he was younger and said he became a fan of the team after LeBron James returned in 2014. He may be the franchise’s most important acquisition since James left for L.A., and he’ll play an important role as Cleveland tries to reach the playoffs for the first time since making four straight trips to the NBA Finals.
“On paper, we look scary, but at the end of the day we have to go out and do the work,” Mitchell said. “I can’t sit here and tell you like, yeah, this is a championship team. We’ve got to go out and prove it every night.”
There is zero GMs friendship between Knicks and Jazz
Both Jazz and Pacers wanted two unprotected first round picks for Westbrook deal
Zero friendship
Mommy and daddy, please stop fighting!
If Donovan Mitchell wanted or expected to be traded to the Knicks, then why didn’t he request a trade to NY? An interesting question, indeed. I’m so glad he ended up in beautiful Cleveland, since he was never a need for the Knicks. I do wish him my very best, with his future in Cleveland.
Probably because he was hoping for this situation
A (perceived) better team wanting him
That team not gutting themselves while getting him in a trade
These guys (most) aren’t stupid. They see the value in getting traded without a Carmelo and Knicks situation
Cleveland was given an opportunity to make their first serious attempt at being a legit contender since LeBron. Trading for Donovan Mitchell in his prime, a proven scorer when matched against the top teams and their top defenders, and adding him to their young core of talent was a no-brainer!!
Cavs can trade Okoro and salary for Wiggins
Cavs are on championship mode
Warriors are in rebuild mode with 8 rookie contracts
No rebuild in Golden State. They wisely tanked and got great draft picks when they were injury-riddled. Young players and championship vets. They are as good as any team in the NBA at both drafting as well as developing young talent.
Come on Very Barry, the Warriors are fantastic in all facets but the NBA draft is a crap shoot let’s face it.
Jordan Bell, Allen Smilagic and Jacob Evans are all recent draft picks of this regime who are not in the NBA at all today. Not even floating around looking for jobs, but exiled.
Golden State drafted Steph Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green (2nd round). The core of their championship runs. Jordan Poole, etc.
How long have OKC, Houston, Sacramento, Knicks, etc been drafting dudes in the lottery?????
Sillivan I’m starting to lose faith in you. You don’t break up a championship team that has legitimate chance to win again. My goodness I’m not sure what to think about your basketball acumen anymore?
Regardless what it means for 2024, you have to run this back as best you can. You definitely don’t look to trade a starter who played such a huge role.
So your saying a team with 4 titles in the last 8 years is going to trade Wiggins for Okoro. Hey maybe they will throw in Steph to back up Garland if we send Neto and Love.
Right cuffs. I mean it is so tough just to get there and once you have that secret sauce you don’t trade off a key ingredient.
You might lose some of the bench or a key guy walks for more money, but you’re not looking to deal a guy that was huge for you just for a better future. No no, you run that back.
@Sillivan cavs are overpaying. I’d say warriors would need to throw in steph and 50 1st round picks, plus a lamborghini. then it’s fair
He’s not even in his prime really if you consider the prime age is usually late 20s to early 30s. Knicks missed out big
Great move for Cleveland. If they can stay healthy, watch out. As for New York they’re stuck. Got a lot of money tied to players who won’t move the needle and a coach who doesn’t play the young guys
LOLOLOL yes I’m laughing at the Knixks xx0
Can’t spell Knick without ick
Signed Thru 2025-26. Geez I wonder where he will go then. Has a press and the questions are about NY. Why are we in your heads. Media can’t do Sgoo without talking about NY. Get off our Dssss . If we are so insignificant. Why can’t you stop talking about us ……. Get a life
Cavs Introduce Mitchell, Says He Expected Knicks Trade
link to kslsports.com
Wanted New York, got banished to Cleveland instead. Joakim Noah comes to mind.
Except the Cavs have the way better roster. Not sure that qualifies as getting banished.
I think he’s referring to the city itself though I think it is nice.
So did the a Knick fans!!
Cavs are loaded but health is key in the NBA.