Jan 16, 2022; Denver, Colorado, USA; Utah Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell (45) during the second half against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Donovan Mitchell revealed that he was certain to join the New York Knicks before joining Cleveland Cavaliers this summer.
Donovan Mitchell joined the Cleveland Cavaliers in one of the summer’s most high-profile trade deals. As it turns out, he was destined to join the New York Knicks rather than the Cavaliers – as the Knicks were in talks with the Utah Jazz all through the summer to secure his services. However, it was eventually the Cavaliers that ended up with Mitchell.
Mitchell – one of the most promising young players in the league and one of the top guards already – led the Jazz to five consecutive NBA Play-Offs in the last five seasons. Naturally, when he was placed on the market this summer, there would never be a shortage of suitors for his much-demanded signature – though the Knicks led the race.
However, the Knicks never really got around to completing an agreement with the Jazz, and instead, the Cavaliers swooped in with a deal that saw Mitchell trade the Jazz for them.
For the first time since his move, Mitchell has come clean about the interest in him this summer and where he felt like he was destined for – compared to where he ended up instead.
Speaking to Brian Windhorst in an interview with ESPN, Mitchell revealed that he was certain to join the New York Knicks this summer.
When asked about how close does he think he was to signing for the New York Knicks, Mitchell said:
“Very close. I won’t say more than that, I know a little bit more than most, but I was very close to joining the Knicks. But it didn’t happen – you know, God has a plan for everything – so when I found out I was traded here, I was very excited.”
A buzzing Mitchell also added:
“With the group we have, with the talent and the young players we have, I was really excited to find out I was traded here.”
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