Coming into this season, the Cleveland Cavaliers were looked at as one of the favorites to win the NBA championship. After winning 56 games a year ago, they were looked at as one of the top contenders in the Eastern Conference, alongside the Knicks.
So far, things have not gone well. The Cavs have had a bunch of injuries. Because of that, they haven’t been able to play up to their standard. Right now, the Cavaliers sit seventh in the Eastern Conference standings. They were expecting to be in the top two.
With the team struggling, other teams have started to make calls to the Cavs. Those calls have reportedly centered around the availability of Donovan Mitchell in a potential trade scenario.
GettyCleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell shoots the ball. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
The Cleveland Cavaliers Reportedly Getting Calls About Donovan Mitchell
According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, the Cavs have been getting calls from other teams “shooting their shot” about Mitchell. Scotto reports that Mitchell isn’t the only Cavs player teams are asking about. Teams have also inquired about Jarrett Allen and Darius Garland.
“Some teams will be really star-driven and say, ‘Hey, would you ever think about moving Donovan Mitchell?’, which I haven’t heard. But I get why people would ask just in case because teams don’t want to be caught flat-footed as they were when Luka Doncic got traded.”
As Scotto remarked, it doesn’t seem that the Cavs are entertaining any deals involving moving Mitchell. He is their franchise player. Mitchell is also the best player that the Cavaliers have by a wide margin. Trading him would mean that the team is giving up on this core.
Scotto also said that the Cavaliers believe they can still turn things around once they get healthy. Garland has been in and out of the lineup, and they still don’t have Max Strus. Sam Merrill finally returned against the Hornets.
GettyCleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell celebrates. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
The Cavaliers Likely Won’t Trade Donovan Mitchell
While some other players might be available to be moved, it’s highly unlikely that Cleveland moves on from Mitchell. Garland will likely stay with the franchise, as well. Allen has been mentioned in trade rumors over the last couple of years after disappointing postseasons.
It wouldn’t be shocking to see Allen moved, but they won’t do that until Evan Mobley returns. Mobley’s missing games have perhaps the biggest factor in Cleveland’s disappointing start. The Cavaliers rely on his defense more than anyone else.
Cleveland is more likely to be a buyer than a seller at the trade deadline. They aren’t interested in having a full-on rebuild at this point. They are also in the second apron of the luxury tax, making it very hard to execute a trade. That means that it will be hard for them to bring in help.
Mitchell has shown his commitment to the franchise by signing a three-year extension back in 2024. The franchise will likely be keeping its commitment to him, as well.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Teams Approaching Cleveland Cavaliers about Donovan Mitchell: Report appeared first on Heavy Sports.