NBA Trade Rumors: Donovan Mitchell Linked To Atlanta Hawks

The Cleveland Cavaliers will have to find a way to convince Donovan Mitchell to extend with the franchise. The guard is a free agent in 2025 and multiple teams are hoping the Cavaliers will trade the All-Star before he walks as a free agent next season. The Atlanta Hawks are reportedly another interested team if Mitchell becomes available, according to Brett Seigel.

"There have also been whispers about Mitchell and the Atlanta Hawks dating back before the 2023-24 season. Mitchell has a strong relationship with All-Star point guard Trae Young, and the Hawks want to position themselves to once again be at the top of the Eastern Conference standings rather quickly."

Despite concerns about the Hawks wanting to cut costs, sources say that the ownership will be willing to invest if a player like Mitcell was available.

"While it is true that Atlanta is looking to cut costs and duck the tax lines heading into the summer, owner Tony Ressler is willing to make a big move and invest long-term money into a player who puts the team in a championship position, sources said. 

The Hawks have a lot of interesting trade assets they could use, including the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft.

"Now having the No. 1 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft to play around with, as well as talents such as Dejounte Murray, Clint Capela, De'Andre Hunter, and AJ Griffin, the Hawks could get creative in terms of offering a massive package for Mitchell this summer."

The Lakers and Nets are reportedly vying for Mitchell's signature, but the Hawks could present a wrinkle in their plans. They could offer the Cavs a competent package which could help their intentions of winning now while replenishing future assets.

The Hawks Would Likely Need To Trade The No. 1 Pick

A possible trade package for Mitchell from the Hawks could feature:

Cleveland Cavaliers Receive: Dejounte Murray, Saddiq Bey, 2024 Draft No. 1 Overall Pick, 2029 First-Round Pick

Atlanta Hawks Receive: Donovan Mitchell

Mitchell has proven his value as a No. 1 option repeatedly, carrying the Cavaliers to their first playoff series win without LeBron James since 1993 in the first round. His injury nuked the Cavaliers chances of beating the Celtics, as he averaged 29.6 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 4.7 assists through the postseason.  

Dejounte Murray and Trae Young are reportedly expected to be split up, with Trae staying to form a superstar backcourt with Mitchell while Murray adds size as the backcourt partner of Darius Garland. Garland and Mitchell are also likely to be split up this summer.

Saddiq Bey gives them a usable wing option, something the team has separately needed along with the ability to draft anyone at No. 1 in a draft or move that pick for additional assets, given the perceived weakness of the draft.

We are explaining this deal as a possible likely outcome basis the report, but there are plenty of valid concerns with a Young-Mitchell backcourt. Similar issues to the Cavaliers where an undersized backcourt is getting punished would come to the forefront, though the offensive fit could be smoother. 

The Hawks don't have bigs at the caliber of Jarrett Allen or Evan Mobley, so losing assets to get Mitchell instead of a complementary fit to their current team would be odd. They're better off finding another star to target, with a player like Mikal Bridges in Brooklyn a more coherent and necessary fit.

Bridges isn't the same caliber of player as Mitchell, so it's hard to just move on if there's any interest from Mitchell to come to Atlanta and play under Quin Snyder again.