NBA Trade Block Big Board: Fantasy Deals for Top Rumored Players - Bleacher Report

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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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Stunning straight Draymond Green swap proposed for Golden State Warriors - Blue Man Hoop

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Draymond Green's latest indiscretion has left his Golden State Warriors future in the spotlight, with the veteran forward receiving counseling following the indefinite suspension handed down by the league.

The 33-year-old is expected to be out for at least the next three weeks after his hit on Jusuf Nurkic in last week's loss to the Phoenix Suns. In the meantime, the Warriors have won three-straight games without Green, including a notable overtime victory against the Eastern Conference-leading Boston Celtics on Tuesday.

The Golden State youngsters have stood up in Green's early absence, particularly frontcourt players Jonathan Kuminga and Trayce Jackson-Davis who've benefitted from the extra opportunity. Could their development, and growing frustration of Green's actions, lead to the franchise trading their former Defensive Player of the Year?

Discussing potential Green trades before the February 8 deadline, The Ringer's Bill Simmons suggested whether the Warriors and Cleveland Cavaliers would agree to a straight swap of Green for Jarrett Allan.

""Take Draymond, Donovan Mitchell stays in Cleveland. Jarrett Allan some size with Golden State. Just a straight up trade, I was trying to think who would say no to that? I took a while, I don't even know. I think Golden State just cos' of the Curry piece. I don't think Curry wants Draymond traded, but I also don't know," Simmons said."

It's an interesting proposal for both teams, one that has its positives and negatives for each. On the Warriors' side, Allen would certainly add much needed size and an interior presence, yet shouldn't be held in the same stature as Green.

He also doesn't hold the same playoff or championship experience. The 25-year-old's play in the 2023 postseason was much maligned, with the Cavaliers surprisingly eliminated in just five games by the New York Knicks.

Allen is averaging 13 points, 8.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists and a block per game this season, having now become more important for Cleveland in the absence of Evan Mobley who will be sidelined for an extended period with a knee injury.

That makes an Allen trade now less likely, while the uncertainty surrounding Green would make it difficult for any team to trade for him. The recent form of Jackson-Davis may have also relieved the need for someone like Allen, with the 23-year-old rookie having averaged 12 points, 10.5 rebounds and two blocks over the last two games.

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