Mitchell: I definitely thought I'd land with Knicks

NBA fans weren't the only ones who were surprised when Donovan Mitchell landed with the Cleveland Cavaliers earlier this month.

"I thought, for sure, I was going back home (to New York)," Mitchell said in his introductory press conference Wednesday.

However, Mitchell, whom Cleveland acquired from the Utah Jazz for Lauri Markkanen, Collin Sexton, Ochai Agbaji, three unprotected first-round picks, and two pick swaps, says he's happy with his landing spot.

"I'm truly excited just to be a part of this organization, to be here in this city, to have fun playing basketball, playing with a group of guys who really want to win," Mitchell said.

Initial trade rumors this offseason connected Mitchell to the New York Knicks. Mitchell grew up in Westchester County, New York, and his father works for the New York Mets.

Cavaliers general manager Koby Altman said Cleveland wasn't the leader to land Mitchell until late in the process.

"We just kind of hung around, and hung around, and hung around," Altman said. "And when (the Jazz) decided to pivot, we were there."

As Mitchell arrived in Cleveland on Wednesday morning, he received cheers from dozens of Cavaliers fans. The three-time All-Star says the fanfare has made him all the more eager to get on the court with his new team.

"The love that I've received - the team has received - I think is something that really, truly stands out," Mitchell said.

"I couldn't be more excited to get going."