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, which might involve potentially trading their 26-year old star player.
However, according to Tim Bontemps of ESPN, now advised Cleveland to trade Mitchell early, because there are almost no chances of Mitchell remaining a Cavalier in the long-run.
I don’t think there’s any chance he signs an extension there ever, and if it was up to me I would trade Donovan Mitchell today. I don’t think the Cavs are getting as far as they hope to next year, I don’t think he’s going to extend, and I think they’ll get alot more for him with 2 summers left than they will with 1 summer left.
Now, I also am fully aware that’s not what they’re going to do. I understand why they’re not gonna do it, but me personally looking at it? I think it’s more likely they lose in the first round than win 2 rounds. In that scenario, I don’t really see any world where Donovan Mitchell wants to stay there after next season.
