Donovan Mitchell Is Certain To Leave The Cleveland Cavaliers With One Exception

The future of All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell is up in the air right now, and nobody knows what he intends to do when he opts out of his contract in 2025. According to Bleacher Report’s Eric Pincus, the only certainty is that he’ll leave the Cavaliers, barring a miracle run to the NBA Finals. 

“The buzz in NBA circles suggests that barring a run to the NBA Finals,” wrote Pincus, “Mitchell will decline an extension and look elsewhere, and the Cavaliers are more likely than not to move him well before he can leave outright as a free agent.”

As good as Mitchell has been with the Cavaliers, there have been signs that this partnership will be short-lived. Besides the constant rumors of Mitchell’s unhappiness, he practically confirmed his plans to test the market next summer when he denied the claims from owner Dan Gilbert that he would sign an extension.

After last season’s embarrassing effort in the NBA playoffs, where they won just a single game against the New York Knicks, most fans and experts agree that they just don’t have the right stuff and it’s been proven throughout this season.

Despite an insanely hot streak a few months back, there is a telling lack of confidence in the Cavs’ playoff chances, and another early exit this year could be all that Mitchell needs to be convinced that he is better off somewhere else.

The question is, if not Cleveland, then where is the best place to go? For better or worse, Mitchell’s fate is in the Cavs’ hands, at least through next season. Until then, they can keep him or send him to whichever team has the best trade package.

What Are The Best Teams For Donovan Mitchell?

Objectively, Donovan Mitchell is not on the level of Nikola Jokic, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and other NBA superstars. Even so, he’s a young sharpshooter who is currently averaging 26.8 points, 6.0 assists, and 5.1 rebounds per game on 46% shooting.

At 27 years old, Mitchell is just entering his prime and he can be the missing piece for a true title contender. If he’s put on the trade block next season, there will be many teams vying for his services and looking to secure a long-term deal.

Arguably, the biggest player in these sweepstakes is the New York Knicks. Even after trading for OG Anunoby this season, their interest in pursuing star power has been well-documented. With potential mutual interest on both sides, a deal would make sense given how much better it would make the Knicks and the sheer amount of assets they would have to offer in any potential bidding war.

The San Antonio Spurs are also a looming threat for Mitchell. Their pursuit of All-Star guards to pair with Wembanyama is no secret. From Traa Young to Dejounte Murray, why can’t a guy like Donovan Mitchell join the list of targets for the Spurs this summer?

The Knicks, Spurs, Nets, and Lakers are all believed to have some level of interest in Mitchell but with a player option for the 2025-26 season, Mitchell will have some sway in how much teams will be willing to give up and he will do whatever it takes to land somewhere he wants to be long-term.