The Cavaliers aren't interested in dealing Donovan Mitchell and "have maintained a commitment" to their current core, per Yahoo Sports' Jake Fischer. However, Cleveland's stance has done nothing to stop "the incessant chatter among rival executives that Mitchell will inevitably bolt when he can reach the unrestricted market in 2025," Fischer wrote.
So, if rival teams are talking about a possible Mitchell trade, then we should do the same.
The Cavaliers weren't playing great even before losing Darius Garland to a facial fracture and Evan Mobley to arthroscopic left knee surgery. If they can't gain traction between now and the Feb. 8 trade deadline, the whispers about Mitchell could reach an ear-splitting volume. He could reach free agency in 2025, and there's long been speculation that the New York native might be eager to head home.
If Cleveland can't envision making a prolonged playoff run between now and then, it might have to at least entertain the idea of a Mitchell deal. Doing it now instead of next season would help maximize the return and potentially recoup at least some of the many assets Cleveland sacrificed to acquire him last offseason.
Donovan Mitchell and Ricky Rubio to the Brooklyn Nets for Cam Thomas, Dorian Finney-Smith, Spencer Dinwiddie, Noah Clowney, a 2027 first-round pick (via PHO) and a 2028 first-round pick
For all of the lines connecting Mitchell to the New York Knicks, a trade to Brooklyn would still bring him back to the Empire State. Plus, he'd team with a strong second option in Mikal Bridges, a dynamic defensive center in Nic Claxton, a three-and-D ace in Cam Johnson and some solid role players around that quartet.
Brooklyn likely needs to up its star power if it hopes to win big during Bridges' prime, and Mitchell is the brightest star residing anywhere near the trade market. For as good as Thomas has been this season, Mitchell remains a superior scorer and shot-creator. Plus, Spida has proved his offensive proficiency can carry over to the postseason.
If Cleveland actually brokered a Mitchell blockbuster, it should aim for a package that helps both now—the Cavs could be plenty competitive with healthy versions of Garland and Mobley alongside Jarrett Allen—and later. This deal would do that.
Thomas has exploded in his third season and should factor prominently in the Most Improved Player award race, if not the All-Star voting. Finney-Smith fills the coveted three-and-D archetype about as well as anyone. Dinwiddie can pop for 20 points or double-digit assists any night. All three could immediately step into substantial rotation roles.
Plus, the Cavs would still get two future firsts from teams with uncertain far-out futures, and a recent lottery pick in Clowney, this summer's 21st selection. Cleveland would also find a resolution to the Rubio situation, as the team and the point guard "have begun discussing the possibility of parting ways" as he remains away from the team to focus on his mental health, per Cleveland.com's Chris Fedor.
Zach Buckley covers the NBA for Bleacher Report. Follow him on X, @ZachBuckleyNBA.
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