If you’re an NBA general manager, you can’t take anything for granted. You just traded for a superstar? Great. Enjoy the next season or two. After that, who knows whether you’ll be able to hang onto him?
After all, in this day and age, stars request trades on a routine basis. Player movement is at an all-time high, and that isn’t likely to change any time soon.
For example, take Donovan Mitchell. The Cleveland Cavaliers spent a tremendous amount on him just last summer. Now, we’re already talking about him potentially being traded. Here are three teams that should keep an eye on him.
New York Knicks
You saw this coming. Last summer, Mitchell was a member of the Utah Jazz. He was on the trade block. Most people around the league expected him to find his way to the New York Knicks.
Why not? Mitchell is a New York native. The Knicks have enough assets to acquire a star. This is a perfect marriage for both sides. At least, it was last summer.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers & New York Knicks Updates
To be sure, the Knicks are likely to be in the mix for Mitchell if he hits the trade block. At the same time, the Knicks just enjoyed a successful 2022-23 – they may not want to rock the boat. Could another team in the New York area?
Brooklyn Nets
Frankly, this may make more sense now. Mitchell is a New York native. Are we sure he wants to join the Knicks? Could he just be content to land in the city?
If so, this works. The Brooklyn Nets have even more assets than the Knicks. Moreover, and perhaps more importantly, they’ve also got a bigger need for Mitchell.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers & Brooklyn Nets Updates
In fact, the Nets are desperate for an offensive focal point. Mitchell is one of the best offensive guards in the NBA. If the Nets think he could lead them to contention, they should make the Cavaliers a substantial offer. If they don’t, could a Western Conference foe be interested in Mitchell?
New Orleans Pelicans
If playing in New York is important to Mitchell, the New Orleans Pelicans should pass. Is Mitchell’s desire to play in New York a poorly kept secret around the league? We’re not sure. For argument’s sake, let’s assume that Mitchell is more open-minded about what team he joins next. In that event, the Pelicans should look to add him.
Would they add him at the expense of Zion Williamson or Brandon Ingram? Who can say? The Cavaliers could use Ingram, or the Pelicans could involve Williamson in a three-team deal.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers & New Orleans Pelicans Updates
On the other hand, the Pelicans have a lot of young players and prospects. They could seek to add Mitchell to their star duo and launch themselves into serious title contention. As long as they don’t take it for granted.
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