After standing pat at this trade deadline, the Los Angeles Lakers are looking to make a splash this summer in search of their third superstar. And Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell has been a rumored target for the Lakers since before the deadline. Although the Lakers didn’t have sufficient assets for a trade by the deadline, they will be able to trade three draft picks in the offseason, enough to present an enticing offer for the five-time NBA All-Star. However, there will probably be other teams vying for the services of the league’s sixth-ranked scorer this season.

According to The Ringer’s Bill Simmons and Ryen Russillo, the New York Knicks emerge as a potential destination for Donovan Mitchell, a team he was previously linked to before his trade to the Cleveland Cavaliers from the Utah Jazz. Complicating matters for the Lakers, the Knicks were reportedly Mitchell’s preferred choice for a landing spot when he was traded.

Mitchell, who hails from Elmsford, New York, grew up just an hour away from Madison Square Garden. Therefore, the allure of playing closer to home and representing his hometown team is undeniable. With all their first-round picks until 2030 at their disposal, the Knicks undoubtedly have the assets to construct an appealing offer for Cleveland.

Brooklyn is also one name in the mix for the Mitchell sweepstakes. The Nets boast a wealth of draft picks and young players, courtesy of dismantling their former big three of Kevin Durant, James Harden, and Kyrie Irving. Pairing Mitchell’s dynamic scoring alongside Mikal Bridges would form a lethal one-two punch for the team.

Earlier this year, NBA insider Marc Stein reported that the Miami Heat have a “bona fide interest” in trading for Mitchell. With Jimmy Butler a few months away from turning 35, acquiring a younger star like Donovan Mitchell could be a priority for the Heat. However, his decision will hinge on whether the Cavaliers can make a deep run this season.

Donovan Mitchell sustains another injury

Despite occupying the third seed in the Eastern Conference, the Cleveland Cavaliers find themselves in a precarious position. After the New York Knicks dispatched them in the first round last season, the Cavaliers were hoping to make a deep playoff run this year. However, recent injuries to their All-Star guard, Donovan Mitchell, have jeopardized such aspirations.

About two weeks ago, Mitchell was sidelined for seven straight games due to a left knee bone bruise and subsequent platelet-rich plasma injection. During this stretch, Cleveland went 3-4 without him in the game. However, Mitchell’s return once again elevated the team with a resounding 116-95 win over the New Orleans Pelicans. But that return was short-lived. Fifty-four minutes, to be exact.

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Just two games later, he suffered a fractured nose after an accidental elbow from teammate Tristan Thompson. This recent injury will again sideline him for tonight’s game against the Pacers, marking his 19th absence this season. With a 9-9 record in his absence and a 33-16 record with him on the court, one thing is certain: the Cavs need Spida in the lineup to make it past the first round this year.

Betrayed by 76ers, 34YO NBA Veteran Seeks Redemption With Donovan Mitchell and Co 34 Days Before Playoffs