The perfect Donovan Mitchell trade: The Lakers must make an offer to the Cavaliers, 5-for-1, a deal that could send Donovan Mitchell to the Lakers to join forces with LeBron James.
After the Cleveland Cavaliers were eliminated from the playoffs by the Boston Celtics, trade rumors of Donovan Mitchell began to brew immediately. Mitchell missed the final two games of the Cavaliers-Celtics series due to injury, but within an hour of losing to Boston, rumors were circulating that there were problems within the Cavaliers.
Mitchell's future remains uncertain, and if he doesn't renew his contract in the offseason, the chances of him leaving the team will increase significantly.
Mitchell is eligible to sign a four-year maximum contract worth $208 million, but Mitchell's partnership with Darius Garland doesn't seem ideal for the Cavaliers. Considering Mitchell could enter free agency in 2025, this offseason is the perfect time for the Cavaliers to trade him for big payoffs.
The Los Angeles Lakers are one of the teams most likely to stick with snatching Donovan Mitchell from the Cavaliers, who rely on a combination of Anthony Davis and LeBron James for the next few years, so they have limited trade flexibility.
It's clear that they lack many of the necessary pieces of the puzzle to get back into championship contenders, so this particular deal could change the tide of Los Angeles.
The offer that facilitated Donovan Mitchell's trade to the Lakers was as follows:
Lakers get: Donovan Mitchell
The Cavaliers get: Austin Reaves, Hachimura, Jalen Hood-Schifino, two first-round picks
Adding Donovan Mitchell will greatly improve the Lakers' chances of winning the championship, as they will add a lethal scorer who can consistently break down the defense.
James will have less pressure to organize the offense, which will be very beneficial for the continuation of his legendary career. In addition, Mitchell and Davis will form a very strong duo after James' retirement.
The Lakers have been looking to add a third star player, and the task has been very tough, so acquiring Mitchell would suddenly solve the problem.
The 27-year-old Mitchell is in his prime, and he's gained a wealth of experience in multiple high-intensity playoff games for the Cavaliers and Utah Jazz. The Lakers still need to add some support players to pair with James, Davis and Mitchell, but a good foundation will keep the new head coach happy.
Crafting an attractive trade package for the Lakers is a real challenge, but having three tradable first-round picks increases their chances of a blockbuster trade.
Acquiring Mitchell from Cleveland would have to start with at least two first-round picks so they can still retain draft capital for future trades. If the Cavaliers insist on more, the Lakers could consider including a 2030 draft pick swap.
Even if D'Angelo Russell chooses to exercise the player option, he won't be a persuasive asset for the Cavaliers, so the Lakers will have to send Austin Reaves in this situation.
Reeves' contract is excellent, making it difficult for him to leave Los Angeles. Having Reeves in Cleveland will be a challenge to their team build, but he will form a great partnership with Darius Garland at the back.
To match the salary, Hachimura will also be part of the deal. Hachimura has two years left on his contract, and he will be an absolute upgrade to either Dean Wade or Marcus Morris as a substitute.
If Jarrett Allen leaves, Hachimura would be a good option for the Cavaliers to play the No. 4 position. Jalen Hood-Schifino will be the last player in the trade, and he's still a promising rising star, but there will be ample opportunities to showcase his skills in Cleveland.
Bottom line: 5 for 1 Mitchell, the Lakers should stud, and James and Davis will form a luxury 3 giants, and they will win the championship.