Knicks Were Never All-In On Donovan Mitchell – Here’s Why

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 23: Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks tries to keep the ball from Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers in the fourth quarter during Game Four of the Eastern Conference First Round Playoffs at Madison Square Garden on April 23, 2023 in New York City. The New York Knicks defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 102-93. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo : Elsa/Getty Images)

It is no secret that the New York Knicks had an interest in Donovan Mitchell before he landed with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

What prevented this partnership from happening?

Turned out, the Knicks were not sold about the idea of Mitchell becoming their franchise player. They thought he was not of that caliber and so, they backed out.

Knicks general manager Scott Perry revealed what went down during their pursuit of Spida. He suggested that Mitchell cannot carry a team on his own.

"He was a good player but he needed more around him to win," he said during an appearance on Hoop Genius podcast.

"Because if he was that singular force, Utah probably would've been in the conference finals if he were that singular force. But he wasn't that singular force. That's not a criticism against him. That's just an evaluation that you must make."

Read more: Lakers' Win vs Suns Shows Glaring LeBron James Problem

Knicks settled with homegrown Jalen Brunson by signing him to a four-year, $104 million contract from the Dallas Mavericks.

Brunson's first year in Madison Square and instantly became valuable to the team's post-season run.

Was it the right call?

Mitchell eventually signed with the Cavs and became its instant leaders. He finished his maiden season in Cleveland as the team's top scorer. 

They finished fourth in the Eastern Conference table and poetically met the fifth-seed Knicks.

The New York-based team proved they did not need him during that season as they ended Cavs' promising campaign in five games.

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