What’s next for the Knicks after missing out on Donovan Mitchell?
How will the Knicks handle not landing Donovan Mitchell, and what’s next for them?
The New York Knicks could have traded for Donovan Mitchell, but they didn’t. They had the picks and the players to land a deal, but they passed on the opportunity.
Now, Mitchell is a Cav, and the Knicks are on another streak of fan-disappointment.
But while Mitchell would have been a great addition to pair with potential rising star RJ Barrett and a young talented team, New York would’ve still not been ready to contend for anything. Giving up so much for a star player that would rely heavily on the organic improvement of another is a trade that might have left the Knicks with more questions than answers.
So now that the Knicks retained their current players and draft capital, what is next for them?
Where the Knicks can go from here
The Knicks have the option of fishing for another star to alleviate the fans’ frustration, but in reality, there is no other star on the market. Kevin Durant could have been an interesting option, but only if this was happening a month ago. They could, however, continue to hope for another star to become available.
Focus on nurturing young talent
On the other hand, the Knicks have young talent that they can invest in before making any big moves. And especially now that New York’s front office is being patient about how and what they’re spending. Barrett, who just became the first New York drafted player to sign such an extension, is a talent that will require the right team dynamic in order to continue thriving. So building a roster around the Canadian is only beneficial for the future of the knicks.
Remain in the mix for a star
Working for Barrett would not only benefit the team as a whole, but would also make the Knicks more attractive in the near future. If the 22-year-old rises as a star next season, one star often brings another, and you never know who you could get.
The Knicks are looking to RJ Barrett, Jalen Brunson and Quentin Grimes to produce this season. So now is the time for Tom Thibodeau to decide how to best use his young players. Will he play the likes of Obi Toppin, Immanuel Quickley and Grimes significant minutes during the season? Will he rely on more experienced coaches on the roster?
Thibodeau’s got some work to do.