We’ve all taken risks in our lives. Some of them have worked out, and some of them have not. NBA teams take risks as well. Unfortunately, at times, they just don’t work out. When the Cleveland Cavaliers acquired NBA All-Star Donovan Mitchell, they took a risk.
It was well known that Mitchell was pining for a big market. That was allegedly why he wanted to leave the Utah Jazz. The small-market Cavaliers acquired him anyway. It was a defensible decision – the Cavaliers wanted to take a step forward, and Mitchell was young enough to continue growing with the rest of their young core.
Now, it’s looking like it might not work out. By all accounts, Mitchell is not interested in extending with the Cavaliers. This has fuelled plenty of trade speculation. Here are three teams that we think should take a look at the star guard.
New York Knicks
You saw this one coming. When the Cavaliers acquired Mitchell last summer, the New York Knicks were heavily linked to him. Mitchell is a New York native. If we’d written this article without starting the Knicks, we’d be guilty of journalistic irresponsibility.
Meanwhile, the Knicks have got the assets to get a deal done. This team controls its own draft for the foreseeable future. They’ve also got a fantastic collection of young talent. In particular, the Cavaliers could be interested in RJ Barrett. This team has been looking for a wing for some time. Barrett fits the bill, and he’s also young enough to be part of a core featuring Evan Mobley and Darius Garland.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers & New York Knicks Updates
Sure. With that said, Mitchell isn’t the most obvious fit with this team. Between him, Jalen Brunson, and Julius Randle, the Knicks would have several ball-dominant offensive stars with limited defensive abilities. The Knicks could move one of Randle or Brunson to improve the fit, but this team has been successful with that duo. Is there a team with a more pressing need for Mitchell?
Brooklyn Nets
Honestly, this makes a lot more sense. The Brooklyn Nets have a deep roster full of quality defensive players. On the other hand, they’re starved for offensive firepower. Mikal Bridges emerged as a shot creator this year, but he feels more like a strong number two than a first option.
By contrast, Mitchell can carry an offense. Meanwhile, the Nets bear two key similarities to the Knicks: they have the draft capital to make a move, and they’re based in New York. This feels like a perfect marriage. If Mitchell is available, the Nets need to make a move for him.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers & Brooklyn Nets Updates
If they can, that is. Do the Nets have anything that would interest the Cavaliers? They could send Cameron Johnson, but the Nets would likely be looking to keep him if they’re landing Mitchell. They could make a three-team deal work by sending Ben Simmons’ contract elsewhere. Is there a cleaner trade available to the Cavaliers?
Los Angeles Clippers
Consider the Los Angeles Clippers a dark-horse landing spot here. They’re substantially different than the other teams on this list. Most notably, they’re on the opposite coast of New York. Moreover, they don’t have the draft capital to make the type of deal you’d expect to be made for a superstar. Unless, of course, they’re willing to part with a superstar of their own.
We mentioned that the Cavaliers needed a wing. Why not Paul George? In all likelihood, he’d take this roster to another level. The Cavaliers aren’t rebuilding. They might be interested in flipping one star for another. Here, they’d be improving their roster balance while staying competitive – in fact, they’d likely be more competitive than before.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers & Los Angeles Clippers Updates
As for the Clippers? They may tire of investing in George and Leonard between their frequent injuries. If so, they could be happy to move on. Given the age discrepancy here, they may have to include one first-round pick along with George to acquire Mitchell. Given how talented the young guard is, we’d say that’s a risk worth taking.
Want the latest NBA analysis, breaking news, and insider information? Click Here. Follow NBA Analysis Network on Twitter and Facebook.
