For some time, the NBA Finals were preordained. The Golden State Warriors and the Cleveland Cavaliers met in the big dance for four consecutive seasons. It felt inevitable. Neither team had much serious competition in their respective conferences.
Since then, the Cavaliers have seen a lot of changes. LeBron James left – and he brought their title odds with him. For a while, the Cavaliers fell on hard times. Now, the future is bright – although, speculation that Donovan Mitchell could look to leave the team looms over the organization.
On the other hand, the Warriors have remained in the running for the title. In fact, they’ve won one since the Cavaliers began rebuilding. Could they win another by acquiring Mitchell from the Cavaliers?
The Trade Proposal
Cleveland Cavaliers Receive: G/F Andrew Wiggins, F Jonathan Kuminga, G/F Moses Moody, 2028 First-Round Pick (GSW)
Golden State Warriors Receive: G Donovan Mitchell
This is not what was supposed to happen. When the Cavaliers acquired Mitchell, he was supposed to be the final touch for their rebuild. This was their official transition from an up-and-coming squad to a serious title contender.
In year one, that’s not how it went. That in itself is not a big deal. Sure, the Cavaliers lost in the first round. It’s not uncommon for teams to need more than one season to gel. Unfortunately, it seems like Mitchell may not give them that time. Recent rumors have suggested that he’s not interested in extending with the Cavaliers.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers & Golden State Warriors Updates
Are we shocked? Wasn’t it widely held that Mitchell wanted to play in a big market when he was a member of the Utah Jazz? The Cavaliers took a risk by acquiring him. Does this deal do enough to mitigate their loss?
Why The Cleveland Cavaliers Do The Deal
If Mitchell does see a future for himself with the Cavs, they shouldn’t do this deal. They should tinker with their roster instead. Sliding Evan Mobley to the 5 and moving Jarrett Allen in a deal could end up paying enough dividends.
With that said, if Mitchell wants out, this is a great deal for Cleveland. It doesn’t tank their win-now odds, and it also improves their future. At the moment, Wiggins is precisely the player that Cleveland could use. This team has had a need for a 3-and-D wing. Since the Cavaliers originally drafted him, Wiggins has developed into one of the league’s best.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers & Golden State Warriors Updates
With that said, Kuminga may be the centerpiece of this deal for the Cavs. If he hits his ceiling, he could be one of the best two-way wings in the NBA. Throw in Moody and unprotected first, and this deal could motivate the Cavaliers to trade their star guard. Should the Warriors want him?
Why The Golden State Warriors Do The Deal
The Warriors have built a dynasty. Currently, it’s reached an inflection point. This roster is aging, and it’s getting expensive. On the other hand, the young talent that the Warriors do have is elite – and struggling to find opportunities with the team. With that in mind, Mitchell solves a lot of problems for the Warriors.
He’s young, but he’s not unpolished like Kuminga. He’s an NBA superstar. He can be part of the future. At the same time, he also provides some financial relief for the Warriors. They avoid extending Kuminga and Moody while getting off of Wiggins’ longer-term deal.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers & Golden State Warriors Updates
What about the basketball fit? We think it’s fantastic. How will teams stop Mitchell from penetrating alongside Steph Curry’s spacing? Imagine Draymond Green setting Mitchell up for easy baskets with his elite floor vision. If this goes well, it could put the Warriors in the NBA Finals – again.
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