Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images
In a stunning move last season, the Cleveland Cavaliers bolstered their roster and upped their playoff chances by securing dynamic shooting guard Donovan Mitchell in a trade with the Utah Jazz.
Mitchell lived up to the billing and didn’t hesitate to take on the role of the Cavaliers’ go-to player. He averaged 28.3 points, 4.3 rebounds and 4.4 assists per game on 48.4% shooting from the field to help the Cavaliers secure the No.4 seed in the Eastern Conference.
Their playoff journey, however, ended earlier than they had anticipated, bowing out to the New York Knicks in the first round. Mitchell’s production dipped slightly, averaging 23.2 points, 5.0 rebounds and 7.2 assists per game on 41.4% shooting from the field.
Looking to next season, the Cavaliers are keen to bounce back and go further in the playoffs. But if the next season doesn’t meet their expectations, the Cavaliers might have to reconsider their team makeup. As ESPN’s Tim Bontemps suggests, this might involve potentially trading their 26-year old star player.
Per ESPN:
“Donovan Mitchell,” Bontemps wrote. “Cleveland has to try to prove over the next year it’s worth having Mitchell sign up long term, or they’ll have to consider moving him with a year left on his deal next offseason. If the Cavaliers struggle next season, Mitchell’s name could come up.”
