Every team in the NBA wants star players. When one becomes available, a bidding war emerges. At the moment, one team is in a better position to win that war than any other. If the Oklahoma City Thunder want a star that becomes available, chances are, they can land them.
After all, most stars are traded for a collection of first-round picks. The Thunder have the best collection in NBA history. This team had accumulated an unthinkable number of future first-rounders. Could Donovan Mitchell of the Cleveland Cavaliers be the player that they spend them on?
Who knows? With that said, it’s been suggested that Mitchell could be unhappy in Cleveland. If the Cavaliers put him on the market, he’ll garner a robust return. With that said, nobody can beat the Thunder’s offer. Here’s how we think the deal would look.
The Trade Proposal
Cleveland Cavaliers Receive: F Davis Bertans, G/F Luguentz Dort, 2024 First-Round Pick (Top 4 Protected – HOU via OKC), 2026 First-Round Pick (LAC via OKC), 2027 First-Round Pick (OKC)
Oklahoma City Thunder Receive: G Donovan Mitchell
How did the Thunder get here? It’s hard to remember now, but for a long time, this team contended for the NBA title. The Thunder drafted a homegrown superteam. In the end, it just didn’t work out for them.
Kevin Durant, James Harden, and Russell Westbrook That’s an impressive core. The Thunder rostered role players like Serge Ibaka and Steven Adams too. This team was primed to win a title. They came close, but in the end, they couldn’t overcome LeBron James and the Miami Heat in the NBA Finals.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers & Oklahoma City Thunder Updates
That wasn’t the end for the Thunder. Even the duo of Westbrook and Paul George was extremely competitive. Still, that’s all in the past, and the future in Oklahoma City is bright. Could they accelerate their timeline?
Why The Oklahoma City Thunder Do The Deal
The Thunder need to ask themselves why Mitchell wouldn’t be happy in Cleveland. If he’s pining for a bigger market, then they should pass on this deal. By contrast, if there’s something else afoot, they should be interested. On paper, Mitchell makes perfect sense with this roster.
He’d be joining Shai Gilgeous-ALexander to form one of the most dynamic backcourts in the NBA. Meanwhile, the Thunder would still have a platoon of exciting young players. If they add Mitchell and start to contend, they could trade some of them, too.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers & Oklahoma City Thunder Updates
Specifically, we’re thinking of Josh Giddey. This deal may render him the odd man out. Alternatively, Giddey has the size to play the 3. Either way, the Thunder are adding one of the best young scoring guards in the NBA here. Should the Cavaliers give him up?
Why The Cleveland Cavaliers Do The Deal
The Cavaliers do this deal because Mitchell wants out. If he doesn’t, they don’t do this deal. Simple enough, right?
Let’s assume there’s some truth in the rumors. Mitchell wants out of Cleveland. This is a good deal for them in that event. The Cavaliers won’t sink to the bottom of the standings following this deal. In fact, Dort could be the 3-and-D wing that this team has been looking for. Still, they should take a step back if they make this trade – but, it could be a temporary one.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers & Oklahoma City Thunder Updates
After all, they’re landing three first-round picks here. One of them is protected, but that’s fine – the Rockets shouldn’t be in the bottom 4 next season. The Cavaliers could eventually use that draft capital to trade for another star – ideally, one that wants to play in Cleveland. With these picks, they’ll be in a better position to do exactly that.
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