Former Jazz G Donovan Mitchell Happy in Cleveland Despite Trade Rumors
One of the biggest names to circle the trade market in recent months has been former Utah Jazz All-Star and current Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell. After a disappointing first-round exit in six games during last season’s playoffs, discussion has arisen on whether or not this Cleveland core has what it takes to get to the next level, and if not, what that holds for the future of the All-NBA guard.
Teams like the New York Knicks and the Miami Heat have been broadly mentioned as potential suitors if Mitchell were to ever be available. Both franchises have been eyeing the next chance to add a co-star for their championship pushes, and Donovan would be that coveted next piece of the puzzle.
However, it seems that fantasy won’t be coming to reality this season, despite what those with interest would have hoped.
According to The Wine and Gold Talk Podcast, Mitchell is satisfied with his current situation in Cleveland despite numerous trade whispers surrounding the long-term future of the pairing:
The Cavs aren’t in a situation where they are even interested in listening to what teams are going to offer them for Donovan Mitchell. They’re not even considering that at the moment. Beyond that, and I’ve talked to Donovan about this multiple times, he is happy right now where he is at. He is happy being a Cleveland Cavalier. He believes in this team. He believes in this roster. He helped recruit George Niang and Max Strus because he knew after going through that playoff series against the Knicks that the Cavs, if they were going to take the next step as an organization, needed to improve their shooting and their floor spacing.
During his 2023-24 campaign, Mitchell has averaged 27.7 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 5.6 assists on a Cavaliers team that currently ranks 7th in the East. Cleveland has been dealt an array of injuries in recent weeks, most notably with Darius Garland (jaw) and Evan Mobley (knee), both missing some significant time.
If there were any chance Mitchell was on track to get dealt, it would mean some massive implications for the Jazz. Utah holds Cleveland’s unprotected first-round pick for the 2025, 2027, and 2029 seasons while also holding pick swaps for 2026 and 2028. Any move involving Donovan that takes a hit to the Cavaliers’ quality of roster would effectively allow the Jazz to be on the receiving end.
Don’t hold your breath on any blockbusters happening anytime soon, though. Mitchell is still signed on to a $68.5 million deal that spans until the summer of 2025, also able to add another year worth $37 million with his player option.
There’s always the opportunity for him to ride out the remaining contract to hit the open market in a couple of summers. It may end as the ideal decision depending on how these next two seasons end for this core in Cleveland.
Regardless, the Jazz’s draft capital across the next half-decade continues to look better by the day. No matter what happens with Donovan’s situation in Cleveland, the future of Utah is on a great track.
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