Every team in the NBA has a reputation. Some are more glowing than others. Still, with enough effort, an organization can overcome a bad reputation. Just look at the Sacramento Kings.
For a long time, they had a horrendous reputation. The Kings set an NBA record by missing the playoffs for 16 years in a row. In 2022-23, they shed that reputation. The Kings had the best regular season offense in the NBA, and they earned a playoff bid for their troubles.
Meanwhile, it wasn’t long ago that the Cleveland Cavaliers had a bad reputation of their own. Prior to winning an NBA title behind LeBron James and Kyrie Irving, the Cavs were perennial bottom-feeders. With that said, their relatively new reputation may not have been enough to impress Donovan Mitchell. Recently, it’s been reported that he may have eyes for other organizations. Could the Cavaliers send him to the Kings?
The Trade Proposal
Cleveland Cavaliers Receive: F Harrison Barnes, G/F Kevin Huerter, F Keegan Murray, 2026 First-Round Pick (SAC), 2028 First-Round Pick (SAC)
Sacramento Kings Receive: G Donovan Mitchell, G/F Isaac Okoro
Sometimes, a team’s reputation can precede itself. It can damage a team’s ability to succeed. In this way, some teams get caught in a loop of failure.
Think about it. You’re an NBA free agent. You’re a good player – maybe even a star. You’ve got a wide range of choices at your fingertips. Why would you choose the team that’s known for losing? Yet, that’s a huge part of why these teams keep losing – good players don’t want to join them. It’s a vicious cycle.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers & Sacramento Kings Updates
The Cavs got lucky. LeBron James was born near the arena they play basketball in. Now, they’re seen as a reputable franchise. Should they really send Mitchell to Sacramento?
Why The Cleveland Cavaliers Do The Deal
Any speculation about Mitchell is based in a reality where he wants to leave Cleveland. If he doesn’t, this is a non-issue. The Cavaliers wouldn’t be interested in this trade. For argument’s sake, let’s assume that Mitchell may leave. Is this a good deal for the Cavs?
We think so. The Cavaliers badly needed a wing last year. Sure, they acquired Max Struss this summer. He’s a good player, but he’s not big enough to guard multiple positions. Murray is. He’s the centerpiece of this deal for Cleveland. Murray has star upside, and an exceedingly high floor as a utility 3-and-D player. On a short-term basis, Barnes will be useful to them for similar reasons.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers & Sacramento Kings Updates
Meanwhile, Huerter can replace Mitchell in the starting lineup. Sure, that will require the Cavs to reallocate some playmaking to Darius Garland. Still, they’ll have plus positional size at every spot but the 1. Finally, this deal has Cleveland recouping some of the draft capital that they gave up to land Mitchell in the first place. Should the Kings give that draft capital up?
Why The Sacramento Kings Do The Deal
Some Kings fans won’t like this one. “Why mess with a good thing?”, they’ll ask. Well, here’s a question in response to that question: How good of a thing do the Kings have? A first-round exit? Is that the standard? The Kings should want to take a step forward next season.
Even still, they’ll question whether this is the right way to do that. The Kings already had an elite offense – shouldn’t they bolster their relatively weak defense? Well, in the immortal words of Christopher Walken: “more cowbell”.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers & Sacramento Kings Updates
Why not lean into offense? How will teams guard a trio of Domantas Sabonis, De’Aaron Fox, and Mitchell? Spoiler: They won’t. The Kings could score their way deep into the playoffs by assembling this trio. They’d be one of the more talented teams in the NBA. That sounds like a pretty good way to continue shedding their past reputation to us.
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