Donovan Mitchell and the Cleveland Cavaliers are preparing for the 2023-24 NBA season and are viewed as a legitimate contender in the Eastern Conference once again. In his first season with the Cavs, things did not end how Mitchell and company were hoping. However, the pieces are in place for them to be a legitimate threat moving forward.
While things are looking good in Cleveland right now, that could change in the fairly near future. Rumors have continued to rumble that Mitchell could look to be traded out of town at some point.
Granted, those are just rumors and are far from being legitimate reality. But, rumors come from some place of legitimate possibility. Mitchell has always been linked to a much bigger market and that could happen at some point.
During the 2022-23 season with the Cavaliers, Mitchell put together another masterful season. He averaged 28.3 points per game to go along with 4.4 assists, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.5 steals. Mitchell shot 48.4 percent from the floor overall and knocked down 38.6 percent of his three-point attempts.
NBA TRADE RUMORS & REPORTS: Cleveland Cavaliers & Donovan Mitchell Updates
So far, there have been a few teams named potential landing spots for Mitchell. No team has been more connected to the star shooting guard than the New York Knicks.
With all of that being said, let’s take a look at three dark-those potential trade destinations for Mitchell if he is dealt in the future by the Cavaliers.
3. Indiana Pacers
Let’s start this list with the Indiana Pacers, who are also a part of the Central Division. While the Pacers are far from being the top potential destination for Mitchell, they have to be added to this list.
Kevin Pritchard has done an impressive job of rebuilding the roster in Indiana. The future could not be brighter with rising superstar point guard Tyrese Haliburton leading the way. Bennedict Mathurin, Myles Turner, Andrew Nembhard, Jarace Walker, Obi Toppin, and more form a great supporting cast for Haliburton.
Can you imagine a duo of Haliburton and Mitchell? They would immediately form one of the best back-court duos in the NBA.
The Pacers have assets to work with and will be looking to swing big in the near future. That has them placed at No. 3 on this list.
2. Philadelphia 76ers
Next up, Joel Embiid and the Philadelphia 76ers have to be included on this list. James Harden is another name that could be moved in the near future, which would open up the concern that Embiid could try to leave as well. If Philadelphia wants to make sure their superstar stays in town, adding another star running mate would be a big step in the right direction.
Mitchell formed a great one-two punch with Rudy Gobert with the Utah Jazz. Being able to join forces with a big far superior in Embiid would be even more lethal.
NBA TRADE RUMORS & REPORTS: Cleveland Cavaliers & Donovan Mitchell Updates
On the outside looking in, the duo of Mitchell and Embiid should be good enough to compete for a championship. No one truly knows how the two would play together, but Mitchell is a very similar talent to Harden.
Nick Nurse and company would be a very logical landing spot for Donovan Mitchell. He would be able to contend for a ring and play with the best player he has had an opportunity to play with in his NBA career.
1. Sacramento Kings
Finally, the Sacramento Kings are a team to watch when it comes to a superstar trade. Domantas Sabonis and De’Aaron Fox have turned Sacramento into a legitimate contender in the Western Conference.
NBA TRADE RUMORS & REPORTS: Cleveland Cavaliers & Donovan Mitchell Updates
In addition to Sabonis and Fox, the Kings have built a solid roster full of potential trade assets. Names like Harrison Barnes, Davion Mitchell, and Kevin Huerter could all come up in trade discussions. Adding a talent like Donovan Mitchell alongside Sabonis and Fox would give Sacramento a legitimate superstar “Big Three.”
It has been a long time since the Kings were a feared opponent in the Western Conference. The front office will do whatever it takes to get Sacramento back to the NBA Finals.
With the assets, need, and drive to win that the Kings have, they are a prime dark-horse landing spot for Mitchell. They may not end up putting their name in the hat, but it would make a ton of sense if they did.
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