NBA Trade Grades: Reviewing Cavs-Jazz Donovan Mitchell Swap

Donovan Mitchell, Utah Jazz, Cleveland Cavaliers, NBA Trade Rumors
NBA Analysis Network

The Donovan Mitchell era is officially over for the Utah Jazz. Utah traded their three-time NBA All-Star to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Thursday afternoon, ending rumors that have swirled for weeks about where Mitchell could end up.

While the Cavaliers weren’t on any of the preferred landing spot lists that were shared about Mitchell, they presented the Jazz with a package that they ultimately decided was the best they were going to receive. The biggest draw likely is the three unprotected first-round picks in 2025, 2027 and 2029 that will be sent to them.

Along with the unprotected picks, there will be unprotected pick swaps in 2026 and 2028. Also heading to Salt Lake City are Lauri Markkanen, Collin Sexton and Ochai Agbaji. Agbaji was selected No. 14 overall in the 2022 NBA Draft by Cleveland.

This could be a tough blow for a few teams, such as the New York Knicks and Miami Heat. For weeks, it sounded as like the Knicks were in the driver’s seat when it came to completing a deal for Mitchell, eventually bringing him back home. They had the most assets, but it sounded like they would not go beyond a specific price tag, which Cleveland was willing to do.

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Cleveland Cavaliers & Utah Jazz Updates

The Heat were rumored to really like Mitchell and the feeling was reportedly mutual. Alas, they were unable to build a very attractive offer being limited in the draft capital they owned and Tyler Herro being their best trade chip.

As a result of that, Cleveland is now getting a soon-to-be 26-year-old, three-time All-Star in the form of Donovan Mitchell. The Jazz are stockpiling draft picks at a rate that would make even the Oklahoma City Thunder blush. How did each team do in this trade?

Let’s take an in-depth look at the deal and hand out some grades.

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