BREAKING NEWS: Donovan Mitchell is a Cavalier
Just as it was looking like NBA trade slop season was going out with a whimper, the Cavs and Utah Jazz unleashed the Mother of All Woj Bombs:
The Cleveland Cavaliers have acquired Donovan Mitchell in a trade, sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) September 1, 2022
Full trade: Utah is trading Donovan Mitchell to Cleveland for Lauri Markkanen, Ochair Agbaji, Collin Sexton, three unprotected first-round picks and two pick swaps, sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) September 1, 2022
Judging by reacting on social media, there appears to be a dichotomy between non-Cavs fans and media who love the trade with some Cavs’ die-hards wondering if POBO Koby Altman spent too much, too soon for such a win-now move. Consider yours truly a massive fan of this move, and I am currently in the process of deleting all of my Koby Altman slander from the internet.
Donovan Mitchell is basically the fully realized All-Star version of Collin “Young Bull” Sexton. He’s a top five player at his position, in the prime of his career on a long term deal, and Altman didn’t give up any of their big three to acquire him. In case fans need a reminder, Mitchell turned in one of the most historic playoff performances in NBA history:
The main concern about this trade is logistics of managing the impending Evan Mobley rookie max extension contract, but rest assured Koby Altman wouldn’t have done this deal without a work-around to circumnavigate the salary cap restrictions:
It does slightly. Mobley can’t get an early “designated rookie extension” if Mitchell is on the roster. But if Mitchell opts out and then signs a max, Mobley can still get his 5 year. Also, I believe Mobley can still get a 5 year in RFA https://t.co/mep53ohWDd
— Cavs:TheBlog (@CavsTheTweets) September 1, 2022
Cavs: The Podcast will have further coverage of the trade as well as a deep dive on how Mitchell fits on the court with DG and Tower City. What say you Commentariat? How are we feeling? Sound off below!