Could the Cavaliers Actually Trade Donovan Mitchell This Offseason?
Despite signing Donovan Mitchell to a max extension last offseason, trade rumors are once again swirling around the Cleveland Cavaliers star following another disappointing second-round playoff exit.
Siddhant Gupta of Fadeaway World recently suggested a blockbuster trade that would send Mitchell to the Oklahoma City Thunder. In return, the Cavaliers would receive Jalen Williams, Isaiah Joe, Kenrich Williams, the No. 15 pick in this year’s draft, and two additional future first-rounders.
Gupta argues that teaming Mitchell with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander would create “arguably the best backcourt in the league,” offering a significant boost to the Thunder’s offense with two elite shot creators.
This would be a major return for Cleveland, which originally acquired Mitchell from the Utah Jazz in 2022 by giving up Lauri Markkanen and a haul of draft picks.
The key question is whether the Thunder, a team potentially on the verge of becoming a Western Conference powerhouse, would be willing to part with such a large package for Mitchell.
This past season, Mitchell averaged 24 points, five assists, and 4.3 rebounds in 71 games, shooting 44.3% from the field, 36.8% from three, and 82.3% from the line. He also notched his sixth consecutive All-Star selection.
Although he has yet to advance past the second round in either Cleveland or Utah, Mitchell remains one of the league’s top guards. While it’s unlikely the Cavs move him, an offer like this from OKC could at least get them to listen.
