The Cleveland Cavaliers are currently preparing for a first-round playoff matchup against the Orlando Magic. However, that is not stopping speculation about where their star player will play next season. According to beat writer Brian Lewis, the Brooklyn Nets may be interested in Donovan Mitchell.
Michael Scotto: Brian, I know in the past you haven’t been at liberty to say who the Nets could go after. Donovan Mitchell (coughs). That’s who I’m looking at.
Lewis: I think everything they’ve done implies to me for the last year and change that this is a reset for 2025. Now, I have also added the caveat that there are a few players who could accelerate that process. Donovan Mitchell is one of those few.
Mitchell is under contract for next season, but he has a player option for the 2025-26 season. The 27-year-old. is eligible for a contract extension this offseason. However, the general belief is that the Cavaliers will be forced to trade Mitchell if the two sides cannot agree on a contract extension.
The five-time NBA All-Star enjoyed a solid campaign in his second season with the Cavaliers. In 55 games played, Mitchell averaged 26.6 points, 5.1 rebounds, 6.1 assists, and 1.8 steals per game. With Mitchell, the Cavaliers are 80-43 in games he plays over his two-season stint.
New Eastern Conference Team Linked to Donovan Mitchell
Why the Brooklyn Nets Would Want Mitchell
One of the best guards in the league, Mitchell would immediately be the best player on the Nets. Furthermore, in their first full season with their core, Brooklyn went 32-50. This landed them the No. 11 seed in the Eastern Conference. As it stands, it is unlikely the Nets can contend with their current core. And after hiring Jordi Fernandez as their next head coach, it is reasonable for the Nets to shake the roster up and usher in a new era. Acquiring a star like Mitchell could be just what the Nets need to do to become a serious playoff contender immediately.
“I think everything they’ve done implies to me for the last year and change that this is a reset for 2025.
Now, I have also added the caveat that there are a few players who could accelerate that process. Donovan Mitchell is one of those few. I don’t see a way that he walks… pic.twitter.com/fQLkwtW5nd
— NetsKingdom 👑🗽 (@NetsKingdomAJ) April 18, 2024
How Likely Is It for the Nets to Acquire Mitchell?
Ultimately, the Nets do not have a lot to offer for Mitchell. Currently, they do not own a draft pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. Furthermore, they will not have their own first-round draft pick until 2028. In order to acquire Mitchell, the team will likely need to move one of their top guys like Mikal Bridges. Because of this alone, it seems unlikely Brooklyn can acquire Mitchell without making other drastic changes first.
Additionally, there will be multiple teams pursuing Mitchell this offseason. The New York Knicks, Miami Heat, and Los Angeles Lakers have all reportedly shown interest in Mitchell in the past. If Cleveland does move on from the Louisville alum, many teams will be worth monitoring.
