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Donovan Mitchell Reveals Team He Wanted Jazz To Trade Him To In 2022
The Utah Jazz traded Donovan Mitchell to the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2022. Mitchell didn't have a no-trade clause in his contract, so he couldn't control where he landed.
Mitchell is in his third season with the Cavaliers, who are the No. 1 seed in the East. Some thought Mitchell would leave Cleveland last summer after the team lost to the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference Semifinals, but the All-Star guard signed an extension with the Cavaliers.
During an interview with Melissa Rohlin of Fox Sports, Mitchell spoke about his love for Cleveland. The electric scorer also revealed that he wanted to get traded to the New York Knicks in 2022 since he was born and raised in New York.
"It's been one of the best seasons of my life," Mitchell said. "I'm glad I'm here. Obviously, it's no secret: Did I want to go home? I mean, yeah, sure. But coming here, seeing the group we had, understanding what we could continue to build, it wasn't long before I was like, man, this is special.
"The city of Cleveland has really won me over. I really enjoy being there. It feels like home. That's my biggest thing. Basketball is going to be basketball. But you spend most of your time there and I feel like it's home. It feels safe. I feel like I'm at peace. And that's truly one of the biggest things for me."
Cleveland Cavaliers star Donovan MitchellMandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn ImagesMitchell and the Cavaliers are down 2-0 to the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference Semifinals. Cleveland lost Games 1 and 2 at home.
A six-time All-Star, Mitchell scored 33 points in Game 1 and 48 in Game 2.
Game 3 between the Cavaliers and Pacers is on Saturday in Indiana. Cleveland must win Game 3 to keep its season alive, as no team in NBA history has come back from a 3-0 series deficit in the playoffs.
