Cavaliers' Donovan Mitchell: 'I thought for sure I was going' to the Knicks

All-star guard Donovan Mitchell said in his introductory press conference with the Cavaliers on Wednesday that he thought "for sure" he would end up with the Knicks this summer.

"I thought for sure I was going back home, not going to lie about that," Mitchell told reporters, adding that he's "truly excited" to join Cleveland. 

Mitchell elaborated on the comment in response to a later question, saying, "Who doesn't want to be home next to their mom?" The three-time All-Star added that joining forces the Cavaliers' young core "trumped everything" once he heard a deal was in place. 

The Cavaliers acquired Mitchell from the Jazz two weeks ago, sending a haul of draft picks, pick swaps, and players to Utah. 

Mitchell grew up in the New York area, leading many to make the natural connection between him and the Knicks, but the Knicks were unwilling to part with three unprotected first-round picks. New York also wouldn't include Quentin Grimes along with R.J. Barrett, offering Immanuel Quickly instead. 

The New York Post reported on the day of the trade that the Knicks didn't believe the Jazz had any offers that included three unprotected first-round picks, backing up an ESPN report that the Knicks still had hope they could get a deal done at the time. 

Mitchell's comments Wednesday indicate the Knicks weren't the only ones caught off guard by the trade, but he made it clear he's fully committed to the Cavaliers with this saga behind him.