Donovan Mitchell couldn’t leave the Cleveland Cavaliers – could he? Surely not. Mitchell just got here. The Cavaliers traded a lot of assets to land him last NBA offseason. Mitchell is in this for the long haul.
Well, we’re not sure about that. Recently, it’s been suggested that Mitchell would not sign an extension with the Cavaliers. This marriage could end up being short-lived,
Meanwhile, it’s long been rumored that Mitchell has eyes for New York. He’s from the city. That’s part of why he was so heavily linked to the New York Knicks last summer. Could he be content on the Brooklyn Nets instead?
The Trade Proposal
Cleveland Cavaliers Receive: G Spencer Dinwiddie, F Dorian Finney-Smith, F Royce O’Neale, 2025 First-Round Pick (PHX via BKN), 2027 First-Round Pick (PHI via BKN), 2028 First-Round Pick (BKN), 2029 First-Round Pick (DAL via BKN)
Brooklyn Nets Receive: G Donovan Mitchell, G/F Isaac Okoro
On the other hand, don’t cry to a Brooklyn Nets fan about star players leaving their teams. Your complaints will fall on deaf ears. After all, it was only two seasons ago that the Nets had three superstars on their roster. Kevin Durant, James Harden, and Kyrie Irving were supposed to be world-beaters. In the end, they only beat themselves.
Harden was the first to go. Allegedly, he grew tired of Irving’s refusal to take a COVID-19 vaccine. From there, the dominos fell.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers & Brooklyn Nets Updates
The Nets were apprehensive about extending Irving. He requested a trade. Durant’s request followed. In a matter of moments, the Nets went from having three superstars to none. Should they acquire another one now?
Why The Brooklyn Nets Do The Deal
Correction: the Nets arguably don’t have any superstars. Mikal Bridges started approaching that territory in 2022-23. That’s key here. The Nets have an elite second option already. All this roster is missing is a go-to guy. Mitchell is one of the best offensive guards in the NBA.
Meanwhile, that same Harden trade looms over everything the Nets do. This team owes their draft capital to the Houston Rockets, whether outright or via swap, through to 2027. They’ve got no incentive to lose games.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers & Brooklyn Nets Updates
Mitchell will help them win them. Sure, this deal makes their books messy – the Nets may have to use the rest of their draft capital just to dump Ben Simmons’ contract. Still, they’ll have a team that could be a dark horse contender for the championship if they make this deal. Should the Cavaliers put them in that position?
Why The Cleveland Cavaliers Do The Deal
Well, the Cavs need a wing. Let’s start there. Here, they’re getting two of them. Suddenly, the Cavaliers would have optimal versatility in the frontcourt. They could trade Jarrett Allen and start Finney-Smith alongside Mobley, or stay big by interesting Finney-Smith at the 3.
Alternatively, they could lean into O’Neale’s more reliable shooting and start him at the 3. Either way, this team would go from having a lack of defensive wings to a surplus with them following this move.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers & Brooklyn Nets Updates
Of course, they’d also be losing Donovan Mitchell. That’s why they’re landing four unprotected first-round picks. This deal could give the Cavaliers a better-fitting roster now while restocking their collection of first-round picks in the process. Even if it means saying goodbye to Mitchell – already.
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