Brian Lewis of the New York Post spoke to HoopsHype at length about what the Brooklyn Nets could do to alter their roster over the summer. Lewis revealed that the Nets could make a move for Donovan Mitchell, who will be on an expiring contract next season.
"Donovan Mitchell is one of those few. I don’t see a way that he walks away in free agency. If you know for certain that he’s leaving, one would think you’re bringing back assets for that in the summer or January before the trade deadline. You have to be flexible enough to pivot in case Mitchell, a native New Yorker who happens to love New York, his people are still in New York and has friends on the roster, becomes available. He’s not the only player. He seems the most likely one."
Donovan Mitchell's NBA future has been hotly debated for the last year, as it's been suggested that Mitchell isn't happy on the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Cavs sent out a hefty package to acquire Mitchell via trade in the offseason of 2022, so they can't afford to lose him for nothing in the 2025 free agency.
If Mitchell seems destined to leave, the Cavaliers can trade him to whichever team they want. The Nets would be plausible, as it allows Mitchell to return to his big-market hometown while playing on a squad that will likely be built around him.
Mitchell averaged 26.6 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 6.1 assists this season. He'll hope to make a deep playoff run with the Cavs this season, facing the inexperienced Orlando Magic in the first round. A Finals run could convince him that the winning project is worth sticking with, but we'll have to wait and see if that's even feasible for the Cavs.
Donovan Mitchell Will Be The Biggest Trade Target Next Season
People have theorized about Mitchell's departure from the Cleveland Cavaliers since the day he got to the franchise. It was clear he wanted to be in New York, preferably with the Knicks who pursued him intensely. The Cavaliers outbid everyone to acquire him, with Mitchell averaging 27.5 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 5.2 assists over his two seasons here.
Despite Mitchell's success and the Cavs building a playoff team, league executives believe Mitchell will be traded next season if he doesn't sign a contract extension.
“Mitchell will be entering the final guaranteed year of his current contract next season if there’s no extension, leading to a growing belief among rival teams that the Cavaliers will be forced to trade Mitchell in coming months if they cannot come to terms with him an extension.”
The Knicks have always been the first name mentioned in Mitchell trade rumors, but it doesn't make sense for them anymore with Jalen Brunson's emergence as a superstar guard. The Nets would be a great destination provided he gets to play alongside Mikal Bridges.
Fascinating spots out West would include the San Antonio Spurs and the Los Angeles Lakers, as both of them need a star guard like Donovan to run their team while already having complementary frontcourt players on the roster. This trade saga will be interesting.
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