The Cleveland Cavaliers are close to a crossroads. If they get eliminated in the playoffs, they might break up the core of the team. This core has so far failed to even make the Eastern Conference Finals. It is also the most expensive team in the league.
Donovan Mitchell is the best player on the team. He is someone who has played well in the playoffs since being traded to Cleveland, but he hasn’t gotten much help. If this season ends in disappointment again, teams will call about Mitchell’s availability.
A trade proposal from Bleacher Report has Mitchell going to the Heat in return for a package of young players.
GettyCleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell reacts during a game. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
Trade Proposal Sees Cavaliers Get Young Players for Donovan Mitchell
Here is the full trade proposal:
Miami Heat Receive: Donovan Mitchell
Cleveland Cavaliers Receive: Tyler Herro, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kasparas Jakucionis, the No. 13 pick, and a 2032 first-round pick
The Heat are always in search of adding superstar players. This package would allow them to do that. Trading Mitchell for this many young players would signal that the Cavaliers would be ready for a rebuild. Getting the lottery pick would help with that, as well.
Mitchell is one of the best scorers in the league. He has also expressed his desire to stay in Cleveland. That won’t stop other teams from calling the Cavs about him. He is one of the best trade chips that the team has. It’s unlikely they would trade Mitchell for a package like this, though.
There is a better chance that Cleveland tries to trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo instead of trading Mitchell. Trading Mitchell would be a last resort for them, signaling that they don’t think they can win a championship with most of the players they have on the roster.
GettyCleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell reacts during a game. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
Cleveland Will be a Team to Watch This Summer
Unless the Cavs win a championship, everything is on the table for the roster. The front office will have some tough decisions to make. So far in the postseason, the Cavaliers have the fifth-best offense. Yet, they still trail the Pistons in their series at this point.
Dan Gilbert is an owner who is not afraid to spend money. He will be willing to keep paying a massive luxury tax bill in order to produce a winning team. That makes it more likely that Cleveland will try to re-tool the roster instead of tearing it down for a full rebuild.
Evan Mobley will be a popular trade piece that teams will call about if the time comes. He is a young player who still has a lot of potential. Cleveland would likely only entertain trading him if is for a package that brings Giannis Antetokounmpo into the fold.
The Cavaliers are a very good team, but this playoffs will determine what the future of the franchise looks like.
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