Donovan Mitchell has never really stopped being connected to the New York Knicks.
Before the Utah Jazz traded Mitchell to the Cleveland Cavaliers, that was the rumored destination. And even once Mitchell was shining bright for the Cavs, there was always this undertone that he'd end up with the Knicks.
At this point, it's quieted down at least a bit. Mitchell is reportedly untouchable even if the Cavs decide to shake things up this season with a trade.
But it's a fascinating layer to the fact that on Christmas Day, the Cavs will play in Madison Square Garden against the Knicks.
Mitchell grew up not far from New York City, and his dad worked for the Mets. He's also represented by CAA, which has intense Knicks links.
In the past, Mitchell has spoken about having Knicks fans as friends.
"I've cut off a lot of communication with my friends, to be honest with you," Mitchell said in 2023. "I've left some group chats. I assume they want me to do the best I can and then the Knicks come out with the win, but at the end of the day for a kid like myself to be playing back here in the playoffs, it's going to be a lot of fun... But as far as my friends go, I hope they see this, y'all can kiss my a--. We got to win tonight -- so I love y'all."
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A season ago, the Cavaliers had an epic start.
This time around, not quite so much, and so there has been chatter about a big shake up coming in Cleveland.
But for maybe the first time, Mitchell really hasn't been mentioned in it. He's sticking with the Cavs, and Cleveland is better for it.
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