Throughout the majority of the 2022 NBA offseason, rumors swirled regarding the status of Utah Jazz All-Star Donovan Mitchell. After Mitchell’s Jazz sidekick Rudy Gobert was sent to the Minnesota Timberwolves, it looked like Mitchell might be the next domino to fall.
While the Jazz initially avoided any trade-related discussions around Mitchell, Utah ultimately decided that a rebuild would be best for its future. Suddenly, Mitchell was available.
It looked like Mitchell was in New York to lose, as the Knicks were the first to land him from the jump. But after the Knicks and Jazz failed to agree on ideal trade terms for the two sides early last week, the Knicks extended their youngster RJ Barrett, complicating further talks. commercial.
That’s when the Cleveland Cavaliers took advantage and entered the Mitchell Contest. Days after the Knicks extended Barrett, the Jazz and Cavs reached a blockbuster deal. On Saturday, the deal was finalized, according to a press release.
Cleveland basketball operations president Koby Altman announced the official terms of the deal. The Cavaliers sent Collin Sexton, Lauri Markkanen, Ochai Agbaji and three future unprotected first-round picks (2025, 2027, 2029) to Utah while also agreeing to trade picks in 2026 and 2028 to land Mitchell.
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Now, Mitchell joins the Philadelphia 76ers in the Eastern Conference once and for all.
“The acquisition of Donovan Mitchell has presented us with an incredible opportunity to bring one of the NBA’s most dynamic young All-Stars to Cleveland,” Altman said. “Already a special and proven talent at just 25 years old, Donovan brings a competitive mentality that fits naturally into this team’s core group. We’re excited to see the impact someone of Donovan’s caliber can bring to the Cavaliers with his ability to score the basketball but also make plays for his teammates.
The Cavaliers surprised the East last year when they stayed in the playoff picture all season. At the end of the year, the Cavs placed eighth in the Eastern Conference and earned a berth in the NBA Play-In Tournament.
Unfortunately, Cleveland ended the year on a negative note. Despite being favored to earn the eighth seed in the playoffs against the Atlanta Hawks, the Cavaliers fell short in their Play-In game. With a loss to the Hawks, the Cavaliers missed the playoffs for the fourth consecutive season.
Despite failing to crack the playoffs last year, the Cavaliers needed to bounce back in 2021-22. The Cavaliers boost their playoff odds by adding Mitchell as the multi-time All-Star guard brings playoff experience to Cleveland.
Justin Grasso covers the Philadelphia 76ers for All76ers, a Sports Illustrated channel. You can follow him for live updates on Twitter: @JGrasso_.
