Charles Barkley knows why Knicks failed to land Donovan Mitchell

Donovan Mitchell was sent to the Cavs, but there were many rumors linking him to the Knicks beforehand. Rob Gray-USA TODAY Sports

Charles Barkley has 'inside information' about why Knicks failed to land Donovan Mitchell

By Mike Santa Barbara | Last updated 9/9/22

Before the Utah Jazz traded All-Star Donovan Mitchell to the Cleveland Cavaliers earlier this month, many believed the New York Knicks were the favorite to land the budding young star.

After back-and-forth discussions throughout the offseason, the Knicks and Jazz couldn't agree to a deal for Mitchell. The Knicks later claimed they didn't get a "fair shake" during negotiations with the Jazz.

No matter the reasons, Hall of Famer Charles Barkley delivered the inside scoop during an appearance on SiriusXM NBA Radio on Friday.

According to Barkley, Knicks senior executive William Wesley revealed why the team didn't pull the trigger on the trade while the two shared dinner on Thursday night.

Charles Barkley gives us some inside info on why the Knicks didn't trade for Donovan Mitchell @jumpshot8 | @darthamin pic.twitter.com/LlYnAVBAEZ
— SiriusXM NBA Radio (@SiriusXMNBA) September 9, 2022

"I'm gonna give you inside information. I actually had this conversation last night with World Wide Wes at dinner," Barkley said. "I said, 'Wes, why didn't ya'll make the trade?' He says, 'Oh man, don't go by the media stuff. They wanted my wife, my kids.'"

"He says, 'We wanted the deal, obviously,' but he said, 'They wanted my wife, they wanted my kids, they wanted my grandkids - they were just trying to rip somebody off. So, I said we were going to have to pass on it.'"

The Knicks seem content with their decision to walk away from Mitchell, but many believe they still haven't done enough to improve the team in the competitive Eastern Conference.

Former head coach and current NBA analyst Jeff Van Gundy said the Knicks weren't at "the same level" as their East counterparts and were still searching for a "No. 1" to lead them.

Van Gundy added that the Knicks might struggle even to make the postseason.

"They're not even close to a lock for the play-in," Van Gundy said. "A lot has to go right."

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