- New York has been close to trading for the shooting guard in the past
- The Toronto Raptors could make a big move in the trade market
- Mitchell and the Cavaliers made an early exit from the playoffs last season
Following Damian Lillard’s shocking trade to the Milwaukee Bucks, Donovan Mitchell might be the next superstar potentially on the move this season. The Cavaliers experienced an early playoff exit, which has fueled speculation about the former Jazz guard’s potential departure from the team.
10. Oklahoma City Thunder
Cavs receive: Josh Giddey, Aleksej Pokusevski, Davis Bertans, 2026 first-round pick (via Rockets), 2027 first-round pick (via Nuggets)
Thunder receive: Donovan Mitchell
Sam Presti’s process is going according to plan, but with the chance to compete early, thanks to the instant development of their young players, OKC could make a move for Mitchell and have two All-Stars secured in the backcourt with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, giving them immediate contender status, along with a treasure trove of future draft selections.
For the Cavs, it would mean building a backcourt with an eye on the future by adding Josh Giddey to the mix but also being capable of contributing immediately to the team’s success with his level of play, which is close to entering discussions for an All-Star.
9. New Orleans Pelicans
Cavs receive: Brandon Ingram, 2027 first-round pick (via Bucks)
Pelicans receive: Donovan Mitchell
The Pels had the misfortune of Zion’s injury, ending their hopes of a high placement in the Western Conference. However, bringing in Mitchell would turn this duo into one of the league’s most potent pick-and-roll threats, and New Orleans would be adding another scorer capable of creating his offense.
Brandon Ingram didn’t have the best performance with Team USA in the World Cup, so he could be a movable piece in New Orleans, who would only offer a future first-round pick to sweeten the deal.
8. Portland Trail Blazers
Cavs receive: Anfernee Simons, Nassir Little, Kris Murray, 2025 first-round pick, 2027 first-round pick, 2030 first-round pick
Blazers receive: Donovan Mitchell
If Damian Lillard doesn’t get his desired trade, Portland will need to change course and seek to compete in their short window until their core’s peak fades. With Donovan by his side, they would have a much-improved version of CJ McCollum, creating another formidable backcourt in the NBA.
Portland should finally pull the trigger on a blockbuster trade, while the Cavaliers would initiate a retooling process with young pieces capable of contributing immediately in a less prominent role for a contending team.
7. Atlanta Hawks
Cavs receive: Dejounte Murray, Saddiq Bey, AJ Griffin, 2024 first-round pick
Hawks receive: Donovan Mitchell
The Hawks bet on a significant duo of Trae Young and Dejounte Murray, which could dissolve due to the lack of expected success. By retaining Mitchell, they would have a more balanced offensive approach, with Young as the primary dominator, while Cleveland would assemble a formidable defensive squad.
With Mitchell and Young together, Atlanta would return to the offensive style that propelled them to the Eastern Conference Finals in 2021, featuring two individual scorers alongside several players with outside shooting threats.
6. Indiana Pacers
Cavs receive: Buddy Hield, Ben Mathurin, Jalen Smith, 2024 first-round pick
Pacers receive: Donovan Mitchell
The Pacers have found their franchise player in Tyrese Haliburton, but they don’t have enough pieces to compete at the moment beyond their recent All-Star. With Mitchell’s arrival, they could become contenders in a short time.
The Pacers would return to competing at a high level with their star duo, having Haliburton and Mitchell as a combination of players that would propel them to the upper echelons of the Eastern Conference. Haliburton’s playmaking, combined with Mitchell’s scoring ability, would certainly generate better shot opportunities for the shooting guard and enhance his offensive production.
On the other hand, Cleveland could continue reshaping the team to secure a playoff spot, relying on role players capable of fulfilling important roles. While they may not have a star to elevate them, the overall roster’s quality would still be sufficient to reach the postseason and maneuver other pieces to acquire more All-Star talent in the future.
5. Philadelphia 76ers
Cavs receive: James Harden, 2024 first-round pick, 2027 first-round pick, 2028 swap pick, 2030 first-round pick
Sixers receive: Donovan Mitchell
The Sixers need to keep the team competitive to avoid a serious dilemma with Joel Embiid. With James Harden on the verge of departure, his contract and future assets might tempt the Cavs to explore other alternatives in the market and let go of the former Jazz player after his season with the franchise.
The Cavaliers could absorb Harden’s hefty contract, but they would also acquire multiple future draft assets to make an aggressive move in an attempt to return to the upper echelons of the Eastern Conference. The Cavs couldn’t make a deep run in the East last season, so they would benefit of a move that can reshape the roster in the future.
Philadelphia is in need of a player who won’t lose their offensive spark in crucial moments, something that Harden appears to have less of as time goes on. Not only due to his youth but also because of his desire to win, the addition of Mitchell would guarantee the 76ers a player who won’t lose sight of the ultimate goal, which is an NBA championship ring.
4. Boston Celtics
Cavs receive: Jaylen Brown, Payton Pritchard
Celtics receive: Donovan Mitchell
With the mega-extension of Jaylen Brown, the Celtics have tied their long-term future to a player who still needs to prove himself in the postseason. Additionally, with their playmaking issues after parting ways with Marcus Smart, Mitchell would be a better fit for Boston’s backcourt.
Brown and Mitchell are players with similar skill levels, but Boston should include someone like Pritchard, who is not happy with the team, for Cleveland to absorb the giant contract that Brown signed this offseason.
3. Toronto Raptors
Cavs receive: Scottie Barnes, Precious Achiuwa, Gary Trent Jr., 2024 first-round pick
Raptors receive: Donovan Mitchell
The Raptors find themselves in limbo between a complete rebuild or acquiring top-tier pieces to compete again at the top of the Eastern Conference. With a young core they could potentially part with for Damian Lillard, they could also consider bringing in Mitchell from the Cavs, who is younger and would be in a good position to contend for a championship.
Trading Barnes would be costly for Toronto, which initially excluded him from discussions involving Durant and Lillard. However, after a season where he didn’t grow as much as expected, his value may have dropped, making it the perfect time to acquire an All-Star in exchange.
2. Brooklyn Nets
Cleveland acquires: Cam Johnson, Cam Thomas, 2025 first-round pick, 2027 first-round pick, 2029 first-round pick
Brooklyn acquires: Donovan Mitchell
After trading away all their stars, Brooklyn assembled a great team, but they might need a proven All-Star who can carry the offensive load and be the recurring offensive focal point during the playoffs. Conversely, Cleveland would secure many valuable trade market pieces, which they could leverage in another potential move.
Brooklyn would finally have their franchise player, who is also aligned with the general age of the roster, while Cleveland can rebuild with the pieces received or trade them for something better.
1. New York Knicks
Cleveland acquires: RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley, Quentin Grimes
New York acquires: Donovan Mitchell
The Knicks flirted with the idea of trading for Donovan Mitchell some time ago. Even before his move to Cleveland, the player himself revealed that he thought he would be playing at MSG. With him on their roster, the Knicks would have the superstar they have long sought without success, while the Cavs would acquire intriguing pieces to continue competing in the East.
Mitchell would be an instant upgrade in New York’s backcourt, elevating the team’s level to new heights. On the other hand, the Cavs would acquire many role-playing pieces that could perform well, in addition to RJ Barrett, who has the talent to break out at some point.
