How Jazz's Haul From Donovan Mitchell Trade is Trending

The Utah Jazz are approaching the one-year anniversary of the blockbuster exchange surrounding Donovan Mitchell. There’s still plenty of basketball to be played before declaring a winner, but it’s trending in Utah’s favor.

Although we’re still two years away from cashing in on the first draft selection involved in the exchange, it’s never too early to take a peek at where those picks are trending.

First, let’s revisit the exchange.

Cavaliers received:

Donovan Mitchell

Jazz received:

Collin Sexton
Lauri Markkanen
Ochai Agbaji
2025 first-round pick
2026 pick swap
2027 first-round pick
2028 pick swap
2029 first-round pick

Out of the gates, this appeared to be a trade that made sense for both teams. Mitchell got off to an impressive start to the season, highlighted by a 71-point performance in an OT victory versus the Chicago Bulls. But now that the dominos have officially fallen in year one, this could end up being a disaster for the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Speculation is rising that Mitchell staying in Cleveland long-term is unlikely. According to ESPN NBA writer Tim Bontempts, the Cavaliers have no shot of retaining Mitchell beyond the summer of 2025. Bontempts shared his thoughts on The Brian Windhorst Hoops Collective Podcast.

I think there’s no chance he signs,” Bontempts said. “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.

Although trading Mitchell this offseason is still unlikely, the Cavaliers should cut bait next summer if year two of the exchange doesn't yield a result of contending for a title. However, taking Mitchell out of the equation doesn’t necessarily put the Cavaliers in the lottery.

Point guard Darius Garland is signed through the 2028 season, while forward Evan Mobley should be employed by the Cavaliers for the duration of the picks that end in 2029. Also, center Jarret Allen is under contract through 2026. This gives the Cavaliers a foundation that will make them competitive, despite the Mitchell situation being up in the air.

As far as paying out future contracts, the Cavaliers are in good shape. They have some expiring contracts over the next four years (Allen, Caris LeVert, and Max Strus) that can help in re-signing current players or improving in free agency. There’s really not a bad deal on the books.

The big question is what they could get for Mitchell if a trade becomes inevitable. Certainly, receiving the haul that was sacrificed in the Jazz exchange won’t happen, but the price won’t be cheap, either.

The problem the Cavaliers have moving forward is improving their team through the draft. The three first-rounders and two pick swaps given to Utah will make it difficult to improve by bringing in young talent. The Cavaliers even relinquished their 2023 first-rounder to the Indiana Pacers for LeVert.

That said, considering the young core that’s already in place, along with the assets that would be received in a potential Mitchell exchange, the Cavaliers don’t appear to be lottery-bound any time soon.

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