Some NBA players can’t seem to shake trade rumors. They’re always in the rumor mill. It feels inevitable that they’ll eventually find a new home.
Take Donovan Mitchell of the Cleveland Cavaliers. It feels like Mitchell has been in trade rumors for as long as he’s been in Cleveland. He was a fixture in rumors before joined the team when he was a member of the Utah Jazz.
Brandon Ingram of the New Orleans Pelicans is no stranger to trade rumors either. Recently, it’s been rumored that the Pelicans may choose between him and Zion Williamson this summer. Could they flip Ingram for Mitchell?
NBA Trade Proposal
Cleveland Cavaliers Receive: G/F Brandon Ingram, 2025 First-Round Pick (NOP)
New Orleans Pelicans Receive: G Donovan Mitchell
With that said, winning tends to quit rumors. Players will all have their preferences. Some would like to play in a big market. Still, most often, winning is the strongest preference of all.
At the moment, the Cavaliers are winning a lot. This is one of the better teams in the NBA. If the Cavaliers make a deep playoff run, Mitchell is likely to stay in town.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers, New Orleans Pelicans Updates
What if they don’t? The Cavs were formidable in the regular season last year. In the end, they flamed out in the first round of the playoffs. If history repeats itself, could the Cavs send Mitchell to the Pelicans?
Why The Cleveland Cavaliers Do The Deal
The Cavaliers’ roster is interesting. They’ve got a huge duo in the frontcourt in Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley. Meanwhile, their backcourt duo of Mitchell and Darius Garland is small. The Cavs are otherwise a bit light on wing depth.
Still, trading Mitchell for a wing just to acquire a wing would be shortsighted. That’s not what Cleveland is doing here. They’re landing a star wing who can create shots and make plays in Ingram.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers, New Orleans Pelicans Updates
They’re also landing an unprotected first. The Cavaliers will likely prefer to hang onto Mitchell, but if he requested a trade, this deal would certainly compensate them. Should the Pelicans send them that compensation?
Why The New Orleans Pelicans Do The Deal
Mitchell is in trade rumors for a reason. It has frequently been suggested that he wants to play in a big market. That makes this deal a tremendous risk for the Pelicans.
At the same time, this is one of the best defensive guards in the NBA. Mitchell can create shots with ruthless efficiency. If he develops chemistry with Zion Williamson, the Pelicans could be unstoppable.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers, New Orleans Pelicans Updates
In other words, it’s a risk worth taking. Ingram and Williamson are both forwards who do their best work inside the three-point line. Mitchell is a perfect modern offensive guard. The on-paper fit between him and Williamson is stronger. If they click, each could avoid trade rumors moving forward.
