It’s hard to believe that we’re already talking about Donovan Mitchell trades. The Cleveland Cavaliers just acquired him. When an NBA team trades for a star, they’re hoping he’ll stick around.
That isn’t always the case. Welcome to the modern NBA. Star players have preferences, and they aren’t afraid to explore them. Recently, rumors have suggested that Mitchell may have a preference to play outside of Cleveland. The Cavaliers may have just acquired Mitchell, but the doesn’t change the fact that they might have to trade him soon anyway.
We’ll see. The Cavaliers won’t rush to trade Mitchell. Surely, they’d prefer to keep him. Still, if they are forced to put him on the market, they’ll receive a lucrative return for the star guard. Could the New Orleans Pelicans offer that lucrative return?
The Trade Proposal
Cleveland Cavaliers Receive: G CJ McCollum, F Trey Murphy III, 2024 First-Round Pick (LAL via NOP), 2025 First-Round Pick (MIL via NOP)
New Orleans Pelicans Receive: G Donovan Mitchell
With that said, we’ve talked about Zion Williamson trades this summer, too. We’ve even talked about Brandon Ingram trades. This is the era of player empowerment. Sometimes, it’s hard for the rumor mill to keep up.
For fans, it can be frustrating. There’s so much speculation out there. Some of it is rooted in reality. Other times, it’s rooted in nothing. Even a discerning fan can struggle to separate the wheat from the chaff. Here at Analysis, we’re partly to blame – but what do you want us to do?
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers & New Orleans Pelicans Updates
Fans want content. Analysts want to analyze. Somebody will always be there to assess the league’s landscape and speculate on it. With that said, we’re not sure whether the Cavaliers will move Mitchell soon or not. Should they?
Why The Cleveland Cavaliers Do The Deal
No. Not unless they’re forced to, that is. The Cavaliers will be in no rush to move Mitchell. Still, if he doesn’t give them a choice, this would be a good return.
The addition of McCollum is interesting. He allows the Cavaliers to play a similar style next year – superficially, he’s a poor man’s Mitchell. With that said, he’s also the least important aspect of this deal from the Cavaliers’ perceptive. What’s the most important aspect of the deal?
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers & New Orleans Pelicans Updates
Trey Murphy III. This is exactly the type of young wing this team has been needing. Murphy III is an elite point-of-attack defender who can handle multiple positions. He’s also an elite floor spacer. Throw in a pair of first-round picks, and this should be enough for the Cavs if they’re forced to move Mitchell. Should the Pelicans offer so much?
Why The New Orleans Pelicans Do The Deal
Parting with Murphy III will sting. The Pelicans may even decline to do it. At the same time, Herb Jones is capable of replicating much of his production. Meanwhile, Mitchell will far exceed McCollum’s.
In fact, this deal would have the Pelicans assembling one of the most talented trios in the NBA. How do you guard Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram and Mitchell at the same time? You don’t. The Pelicans would score at will if they acquired Mitchell. Would they be able to stop teams from scoring?
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers & New Orleans Pelicans Updates
Not easily. That’s fine. The Pelicans are leaning into offense as their identity here. They should be able to put enough points on the board to make that a very effective strategy. Hopefully, Mitchell doesn’t want to leave them anytime soon.
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