The New York Knicks haven’t had a clearer path to the NBA Finals in over three decades. At 20-8, they’re sitting comfortably in second place in the Eastern Conference and rank fourth in point differential - a stat that often says more about a team’s true quality than win-loss record alone. Add in the fact that two of the East’s biggest contenders, the Boston Celtics and Indiana Pacers, are dealing with major injury issues, and suddenly the Knicks are in prime position to make a serious run.
But there’s a twist that could make that road even smoother - and it has nothing to do with what the Knicks are doing. Instead, it hinges on a potential shakeup in Cleveland.
Could Donovan Mitchell Be on the Move?
The Cleveland Cavaliers, who entered this season with legitimate championship aspirations, are teetering. After acquiring Donovan Mitchell in 2022, the Cavs were expected to be a perennial power in the East.
But here in year four of the Mitchell era, things aren’t exactly going according to plan. Through 29 games, Cleveland is just 15-14 - good for seventh in the conference - and they’re carrying the league’s highest payroll at $232 million.
That’s a tough pill to swallow for a team that, on paper, was built to contend.
Now, with the Cavaliers roughly $22 million over the second apron - the punitive new luxury tax threshold introduced in the latest CBA - their options are limited. The financial penalties are steep, and so are the roster-building restrictions. According to Bill Simmons, Cleveland might have to consider the so-called “nuclear option”: trading Mitchell.
“If they keep the roster as is, it’ll cost them $163 million in second apron taxes,” Simmons said on a recent episode of his podcast. “That’s a $400 million season just to maybe end up as a seventh seed and lose in the first round.”
It’s a harsh reality for a team that was once viewed as a rising force. And if the Cavs do decide to hit the reset button and move on from Mitchell, that could be a major break for the Knicks.
Why This Matters for New York
Let’s be clear: Mitchell is still an All-NBA-level talent. And with a respected coach like Kenny Atkinson on the sidelines, Cleveland isn’t out of the picture just yet. They’re still viewed by many oddsmakers as the biggest threat to the Knicks in the East - even amid their uneven start.
But if Cleveland decides the long-term cost isn’t worth the short-term hope, and Mitchell gets shipped out, the ripple effect would be significant. A Mitchell trade would likely signal the beginning of a rebuild in Cleveland. And for the Knicks, that means one less roadblock standing between them and the Finals.
With Boston and Indiana already weakened by injuries, removing Cleveland from the equation could leave the East wide open - and New York in the driver’s seat.
What Comes Next
Of course, there’s no guarantee Cleveland will pull the trigger. Teams don’t give up on stars like Mitchell lightly.
But the financial pressure is real, and the Cavs’ current trajectory doesn’t scream “title contender.” If things don’t turn around soon, GM Koby Altman may have to make a tough call.
For the Knicks, this is a situation worth watching closely. They’ve built a tough, balanced roster that’s already proving it can win in the regular season. If one more Eastern rival falls by the wayside, the door to the Finals might swing wide open - and this time, New York could be ready to walk through it.