RJ Barrett via Getty Images In defense of Donovan Mitchell Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE
The Utah Jazz’s acceptance of the Cleveland Cavaliers’ offer for Donovan Mitchell was a blessing in disguise for the New York Knicks.
Imagine the Knicks locking down Mitchell, Julius Randle and Jalen Brunson to the core. According to The Athletic’s Shams Charania, RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley and two unprotected first-round picks aren’t enough. A time machine that transports us into the future shows us a world full of pundits and fans mocking the Knicks for “the Knicks” in 2022, when they trade a chest full of assets for an almost Not moving and limiting a single player in the frontcourt Even Mitchell, Brunson, Barrett And Randall’s core, there are also caps. Forget about signing another free agent with a difference, considering how much they paid for each cornerstone. Looking back, the Knicks may have persuaded ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski Allegedly, Utah actually rested when it initially rejected offers for Barrett, Obi Toppin, Mitchell Robinson and three unprotected first-rounders. Given what Cleveland ended up giving up for Mitchell, a time machine brings us back By early July it could show Jazz CEO Danny Ainge accepting New York’s initial offer (before Robinson and Barrett re-sign) or the Knicks President Leon Rose offered a weaker deal to start talks.
No matter who the Knicks have to give up to get the 6-foot-1 shooting guard, the roster’s upside isn’t going anywhere Would approach Mitchell in Cleveland. The Cavaliers go all out with Mitchell, All-Star Darius Garland, All-Star Jarrett Allen and (possibly) eventual All-Star Evan Mobley. The ceiling for this group feels like it’s in the Eastern Conference finals.
If each continues on its current trajectory, the Knicks’ cap with Mitchell — minus departures — is even Probably not higher than the list of Barrett, Quickley, Toppin and Grimes.
The biggest question worth asking from a fit standpoint is that Barrett, Randall, and Mitchell Can Robinson’s frontcourt offset the defensive issues that could arise once the Knicks are paired with Mitchell and Brunson. While Robinson is a shot-blocking machine and Barrett is an improved two-way player, it’s hard to imagine a team whose defense can top most contenders or a serious playoff threat.
Another concern for Mitchell in New York involves the roles of Barrett and Randle and more off-ball representation . Barrett is in the 36th percentile as a spot-up player. Randall came in 22nd. Mitchell ranked seventh in the NBA in usage rate last year. Brunson and Mitchell dominate the ball-handling touch, which means too many of the team’s core forwards (who will make more than $50 million a year) stand uncomfortably near the 3-point line and exploit their weaknesses.
Still, one of the biggest talking points in the entire trade discussion didn’t even include Mitchell, Barrett or draft picks. This is Grimes’ perceived value and potential.
According to )New York Post Mark Berman, Knicks reject all offers from Grimes. That seems crazy for a 22-year-old rookie averaging 6.0 points per game. The Knicks clearly value last year’s flash, his big summer league breakout and Grimes’ character, which scouts and executives value ahead of the 2021 NBA draft.
Based on his 40.3 percent 3-point percentage in Houston, 38.1 percent last year, and vision tests that did not detect frailty , there isn’t much controversy about his shooting. But if the Las Vegas creative flash is real — and the former McDonald’s All-American and U-18 FIBA MVP certainly showed more dribbling and playmaking than he did early in college — the Knicks Teams may have real steals and quality starters.
Get Grimes mixed up with Quickley, who has averaged over the last 22 games With 16.4 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 5.0 assists, and Toppin, who averaged 17.2 points in 19 games with at least 20 minutes on the court, the Knicks may have three very valuable prospects who are in the rookie Progress in the contract.
Instead of throwing all the team’s eggs into one basket that includes Mitchell, Randle and Brunson , the Knicks are better off betting on the development of their last three first-round picks while retaining Barrett and those unprotected picks that Utah coveted.
Maybe there will be another star in the next season or two. If the Knicks’ young players make new progress each season, their trade value will also increase. Rose finally showed some restraint after aggressive starting offer, it could end up making the team Avoid being locked into a mismatched, expensive lineup with fewer valuable draft assets. He could have easily succumbed to the pressure and fan expectations created by media reports suggesting it was only a matter of time before New York acquired Mitchell. Bowing to Utah’s demands and acquiring Mitchell may have earned Rose short-term affection and approval, his first major move to turn a previous draft decision into a star.
But not grabbing shiny objects is a disciplined administrative decision, at least in this case for this particular list Say so.
