How the Knicks Turned a Missed Trade into a Masterstroke

How the Knicks Turned a Missed Trade into a Masterstroke

The article you referenced argues that the New York Knicks won the Donovan Mitchell trade by not actually making it. Here’s a breakdown of how and why the Knicks’ decision to avoid trading for Mitchell is considered a victory two years later:

1. Avoiding Short-Term Expectations and Sacrifices:
   • In 2022, the Knicks were heavily involved in trade rumors for Donovan Mitchell, a rising star with hometown connections to New York. Despite the buzz, Knicks management hesitated to trade key young players like RJ Barrett and Quentin Grimes, ultimately opting out of the deal. The Cleveland Cavaliers capitalized on this, acquiring Mitchell in a blockbuster trade with high expectations.
   • At the time, the decision not to trade for Mitchell was widely criticized. Fans and media believed the Knicks missed out on securing a superstar. However, the article claims that the Knicks’ restraint allowed them to avoid the heavy pressure and sacrifices that Cleveland faced after acquiring Mitchell, including giving up young talent and future draft picks.
2. Cleveland’s Mediocre Results:
   • The Cavaliers, despite adding Mitchell, failed to meet the lofty expectations. They finished fourth in the Eastern Conference two years in a row and were swiftly eliminated in the 2023 playoffs. The Cavs’ decision to push for immediate contention backfired as they failed to make a deep playoff run, showcasing how trading for Mitchell didn’t lead to instant success.
3. Jalen Brunson’s Breakout and Knicks’ Growth:
   • After passing on Mitchell, the Knicks focused on Jalen Brunson, who emerged as a star in his own right. Brunson led the Knicks to a successful 2023 playoff run, defeating Mitchell’s Cavaliers in the first round, a satisfying turn of events for New York fans.
   • The article highlights that, by not trading away their assets, the Knicks gave themselves room to build a cohesive team culture. Over two years, they made steady progress, developing young talent and slowly improving, instead of trying to expedite their rebuild with a superstar acquisition.
4. Strategic Player Management:
   • The Knicks were able to hold onto young players like RJ Barrett and Quentin Grimes. Even though Grimes was eventually traded, those assets were used strategically. This patience allowed the Knicks to remain flexible, enabling them to make key acquisitions like OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges, who have helped elevate the team further.
5. Caution Against Flashy Moves:
   • The article implies that the Knicks’ decision not to go all-in on a “flashy” trade for a superstar like Mitchell was a wise one. By focusing on long-term growth instead of short-term gratification, the Knicks avoided the pitfalls of instant contention and positioned themselves for sustainable success.

In conclusion, the Knicks’ inactivity, or decision to pass on Donovan Mitchell, allowed them to develop a more balanced and resilient team. Instead of rushing to trade for a superstar, they built around Brunson and have positioned themselves as a more stable contender in the Eastern Conference. Although the Knicks haven’t yet won a championship, they are now closer to contending than they might have been had they traded for Mitchell. The key takeaway is that sometimes the best move is the one you don’t make.
JMG