For a long time, market size dictated a lot of outcomes in the NBA. The teams in the glamor markets had a lot of advantages. These days, it matters less. In the information age, players can garner a huge following no matter what city they play in.
That doesn’t mean that market size is irrelevant. Some star players will care about it more than others do. Unfortunately for the Cleveland Cavaliers, it’s widely rumored that Donovan Mitchell would like to play in a bigger market. With that in mind, he’s the subject of trade rumors – despite having only been in Cleveland for a year. This is not one of the bigger markets in the NBA.
Toronto is. The Raptors are unique. Toronto in itself is one of the biggest cities in North America. Yet, it’s also the only Canadian team – the Raptors’ market is an entire country. From that perspective, you could make the case that the Raptors have one of the best markets in the league. Would Mitchell be happy to tap into it?
The Trade Proposal
Cleveland Cavaliers Receive: F OG Anunoby, G/F Gary Trent Jr., F/C Precious Achiuwa, 2026 First-Round Pick (TOR), 2028 First-Round Pick (TOR)
Toronto Raptors Receive: G Donovan Mitchell
With that said the Raptors haven’t always functioned like a big market team. In fact, they’ve had trouble attracting top-end American talent at times. In terms of market, their situation is a little bit complicated.
Yes, Toronto is huge. For what it’s worth, it’s a beautiful, multicultural, safe city. It’s also, if you didn’t know, located in Canada. At times, American players have been apprehensive about taking their talents north of the border. On the other hand, Toronto has changed – and its place in North America has changed, too.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers.& New Orleans Pelicans Updates
Drake happened. So did The Weeknd. Toronto has, for lack of better words, gotten cooler. They’ve also won an NBA championship in recent years. The Raptors are a good, widely recognized brand. Should Mitchell want to represent them?
Why The Toronto Raptors Do The Deal
That is the critical question here. The Cavaliers acquired Mitchell from the Utah Jazz despite rumors that he wanted to play in a big market. Now, they may suffer the consequences. So, the Raptors need to know how Mitchell views them as a market.
For argument’s sake, let’s assume that he’s got a favorable view. The next question is whether he’s a good basketball fit with the Raptors. That’s an easy one to answer – he is. The Raptors have a dire need for a guard who can create offense in half-court sets. Mitchell is one of the best in the NBA. He’d give this team’s offense a significant boost.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers.& New Orleans Pelicans Updates
They’re sacrificing a lot to get him. If the Raptors want to rebuild, they may pass on this deal. On the other hand, if Scottie Barnes takes a third-year leap, he, Mitchell, and Siakam could form one of the most talented trios in the NBA. Should the Cavaliers let the Raptors put that group together?
Why The Cleveland Cavaliers Do The Deal
The Cavaliers have a lot of questions to ask themselves. This team is apparently questioning Jarrett Allen’s fit alongside Evan Mobley. That’s fair. With that said, if Mitchell wants out, that’s a big problem too.
Let’s assume he does. This deal has Cleveland solving that problem. Moreover, they’re getting quite a return. Anunoby is the headliner. He’s one of the best 3-and-D wings in the entire NBA. With that said, he’s not all the Cavaliers are getting here, either.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers.& New Orleans Pelicans Updates
Trent Jr. is a reliable 3-and-D guard. Achiuwa still has potential as a defensively switchable big man. Throw in a pair of unprotected first-round picks, and this deal could be enough to force the Cavaliers to move on from Mitchell – especially if he wants to play in a bigger market anyway.
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