Mitchell has two seasons left on his contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers, and if he chooses to jump out of the player option this summer, he could become a free agent in 2025-26. While Mitchell is also currently hesitant to renew his contract, for Cleveland, they are at a critical juncture, Mitchell's selection will be a turning point for the Cavaliers, and management will weigh the pros and cons of keeping Mitchell and explore the risks and rewards of trading him. Mitchell is only 27 years old and at the peak of his career, making him an attractive asset in the trading market. If the Cavaliers choose to part ways with him this offseason, Cleveland will be handsomely rewarded. The American media "FW" listed Mitchell's five potential trade proposals, and the Cavaliers management is really hard to refuse!
The New York Knicks are 5 for 1 and have a luxury lineup
Transaction details
Knicks get: Mitchell
Cavaliers get: Bojan Bogdanovic, DiVincenzo, Prese Achiuwa, 2024 first-round pick (from the Mavericks), 2026 first-round pick from the Knicks
Mitchell almost joined the Knicks before joining the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2022, and New York has long been considered Mitchell's top destination, which is already an open secret in the league, and in exchange, the Cavaliers will receive an offer centered on Bojan Bogdanovic, DiVincenzo, Achiuwa, and two first-round picks. Bogdanovic brings scoring prowess, averaging 15.4 points, 2.7 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game, while DiVincenzo is averaging 15.4 points, 3.6 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game, providing versatility and depth in the backcourt. Achiuwa is a promising young talent who can blossom in Cleveland's benign development, adding to their frontcourt rotation. In addition, two first-round picks give the Cavaliers a chance to get players who are a better fit for the team.
For the Knicks, acquiring Mitchell would be a significant boost. Pairing Mitchell with Brunson will create a dynamic and explosive backcourt capable of scoring for New York. Mitchell's shooting ability, combined with his playmaking offensive and defensive skills, will make the Knicks more competitive in the East. With Randle's consistent play in the frontcourt, New York will have a strong trio capable of shining in the playoffs.
The Heat's 4-for-1 finally ushered in a superstar
Transaction details
Heat: Mitchell
The Cavaliers get: Tyler Herro, Jaime Jax, Nikola Jovic, 2024 first-round pick
The Miami Heat have long pursued a third superstar to complement the talents of Butler and Bam Adebayo, and in this potential deal, they ended up getting Mitchell to fulfill that ambition. For the Heat, Mitchell's scoring ability, defensive ability and playmaking skills make him a perfect fit for Butler and Bam Adebayo, greatly enhancing the Heat's championship prospects. Led by Mitchell, Miami have formed a formidable trio capable of competing at a high level in the East.
In the meantime, the Cavaliers used the deal to speed up their rebuilding process. By acquiring Tyler Herro, Jaime Jacques Jr., Nikola Jovic and a first-round pick, Cleveland has added young talent and valuable future assets to their roster. Herro's scoring ability and future potential, combined with Jacques Jr.'s talent and Jovic's instant power, will provide a more promising cornerstone for the Cavaliers' future. In addition, a first-round pick gives Cleveland a chance to strengthen again in the future.
Herro has proven himself to be a dynamic scorer, averaging 21.0 points, 5.3 rebounds and 4.4 assists per game this season, and he is a valuable asset to the Cavaliers. Jaime Jax Jr. is averaging 11.7 points, 3.8 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game, giving the Cavaliers' roster future potential and versatility. They are all an important part of the Cavaliers' future lineup!
Brooklyn 4-for-1 "stole" Mitchell
Transaction details
Nets get: Mitchell
Cavaliers get: Ben Simmons, 2025 first-round pick (from Suns), 2027 first-round pick (from 76ers), 2029 first-round pick (from Suns)
For the Nets, trading Mitchell represents a major change for the team. Mitchell's scoring ability, defensive acumen and playmaking ability make him an ideal candidate for the Nets to rebuild, and Bridges will be the most effective 3-and-D wing next to Mitchell with the prospect of playing an efficient game again, and the Nets will be a playoff-caliber team in the East. The Cavaliers' real value in this potential deal is a first-round pick, and three first-round picks would be enough for the Cavaliers to re-identify a more well-suited core for the team. Given the uncertainty about the future of the Suns and 76ers, their two first-round picks could be valuable. Simmons' contract expires soon, and if he can't cash in on his talent, his next contract won't be high, which could free up a significant portion of salary space for the Cavaliers to use for reinforcements.
Thunder 5 for 1 to form a super team
Transaction details
Thunder catch: Mitchell
The Cavaliers get: Josh Giddey, Lou Dots, Osman Dieng, a 2025 first-round pick for the Rockets, a 2027 first-round pick for the Clippers
The Thunder are the dark horses of the West this season, and the rise of Alexander, Chet Holmgren and Jay Wei makes people see the Thunder's three-young era coming again, and trading Mitchell means that the Thunder will form a super team that no other team can beat. Mitchell's arrival can take the Thunder to the next level, and his scoring ability and leadership skills make him the ideal candidate for the Thunder to achieve their championship goals. His ability to score in crunch moments, as well as his excellent 3-pointers, will undoubtedly be a great addition to Alexander.
The Cleveland Cavaliers strategically used the deal to advance their own rebuilding efforts. While parting ways with a player like Mitchell is a tough choice, the Cavaliers get an attractive stack of chips, with Josh Giddey, Lou Dort, and Ousmane Dieng blending youth, potential, and talent in line with the Cavaliers' purpose for winning in the future. In addition, the Rockets' 2025 first-round pick and the Clippers' 2027 first-round pick add weight to the deal, and Giddey will provide hope for the Cavaliers' backcourt, where his unique skills and playmaking skills could well complement Garland.
The Lakers are 5 for 1, and they want to kill two birds with one stone in the future
Transaction details
Lakers get: Mitchell
The Cavaliers get: Reaves, Hachimura, Jalen Hood-Schiffino, 2028 first-round pick, 2030 first-round pick
For the Lakers, trading Mitchell's Big Three and making good use of James' final peak fits the team's plan. Mitchell's scoring ability and playmaking ability make him the ideal candidate to become next to Zhan Mei, and they form a strong trio, Mitchell's ability to create shooting and perform well in key moments has brought great help to the Lakers, becoming the most important link in the Lakers' fight for another NBA championship.
The Cavaliers, on the other hand, received a list of trades centered on young talent and future draft assets. Reeves and Hachimura provide immediate contributions and long-term potential to Cleveland's lineup. Averaging 15.8 points, 5.6 assists and 4.4 rebounds per game, Reaves has shown star-level potential as a versatile playmaker and scorer, while Hachimura is averaging 13.6 points and 4.3 rebounds per game, and his consistent scoring and rebounding abilities can make a valuable contribution to the Cavaliers' forward line. Schifino and two first-round picks could give the Cavaliers a trade chip in the future!
If you're a knight executive, how do you choose to trade?