Knicks Trade Talks: Snubbing Donovan Mitchell, New York Urged to Go After Joel Embiid and Giannis Antetokounmpo

The NBA Today hosts got together for a quick tête-à-tête on the ongoing New York Knicks trade talks. A longtime target of New York, Donovan Mitchell has once again risen to be the centerpiece of attention. Hilariously, though, ‘Big Perk’ doesn’t think the Knicks should be making such a move.

When Brian Windhorst calls Mitchell a star, Perkins, in all seriousness, asks, “What star are you talking about?” Imagine being in Donovan’s shoes when watching this! Aside from that, the 2008 NBA champion believes the NY should go for “high caliber” players like Giannis Antetokounmpo or Joel Embiid if they want to make a difference.

Their recent trade move that brought OG Anunoby was one that nobody expected. And while it seems like their newest addition is settling in nicely (he finished his NY debut night with 17 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 steals), the Knicks are still not roster-ready to compete against other top contenders.

Giving up Immanuel Quickley was also one aspect that many weren’t happy with. With Quickley gone, their star player, Jalen Brunson, gets the brunt of responsibility in the backcourt. The ‘Big Apple’ would have got an elite perimeter defender in OG, but he isn’t particularly known for his scoring prowess.

Read More: Who Came Out on Top in the Raptors-Knicks Trade Involving OG Anunoby and RJ Barrett?

This might explain why Perk chose players such as the “Greek Freak,” “The Process,” or Curry as “the ones” for NY. He also mentioned how they would seamlessly fit the demands that many, including Stephen A. Smith, put forward. Smith, though, has other ideas.

Stephen A. Smith wants Donovan Mitchell on the New York Knicks

On Tuesday’s episode of the First Take, Stephen A. looks unimpressed with the New York Knicks. He gives it straight to New York as he says, “I’m not moved.” He also makes his stand clear on the Quickley trade. Aside from the point mentioned above (Brunson’s increased responsibility), SAS says that it simply doesn’t increase their chances of beating “Boston or Milwaukee”.

Stephen A. also believes that having the 4x All-Star in the Knicks is just what they would need to up their chances. “Go out and get Donovan Mitchell. You got eight first-round picks available to you. Use a couple, damn it! Get him!,” Smith pleads. Smith, a lifelong Knicks fan, seems desperate to see his team back and competing for glory again.

Mitchell is averaging 27.7 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game on 58.3 true shooting percentage. If the “Spida” does decide to weave his web in New York, the franchise will get an instant boost from one of the top star-level guards in the NBA. The OG Anunoby trade set the stage for a momentum shift in the Knicks roster. It won’t be long before we see carefully thought-out changes in the franchise.

Do you think the Knicks can land Spida? Would he be the piece that elevates the Knicks to the glory that fans so clearly want to see?

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