The rumors continue to swirl around Donovan Mitchell and the Cleveland Cavaliers, with many people predicting that the star player will leave the team soon.
However, there is a chance that Mitchell will stick around, according to Bill Simmons.
Speaking on his podcast, via Dru on Twitter, Simmons said that Cleveland’s front office might fire head coach J.B. Bickerstaff if they believe there is a chance that Mitchell will stay on the team.
However, if they feel that retaining Mitchell isn’t possible, they will instead concoct a deal with either the Miami Heat or Brooklyn Nets, according to Simmons.
“I think what happens first if the Cavs think they have a chance to keep Mitchell is they change the coach. If they don’t think they have a chance to keep him, then they move onto the Mitchell trade. It’s gonna be Miami or Brooklyn. I’d vote MIA or BK as my favorites”@BillSimmons https://t.co/AT6NqNWXfA pic.twitter.com/iw5Qj72uYw
— Dru (@dru_star) December 19, 2023
Firing Bickerstaff could be a way to convince Mitchell that the front office is committed to making any needed changes in order to win.
But would it be enough to keep Mitchell on board?
If not, the Cavaliers might just face the inevitable and start to communicate with the Heat or Nets.
It’s surprising that Simmons chose the Nets over the New York Knicks because the Knicks have been tied to Mitchell for years now.
But Simmons pointed out that Jalen Brunson is currently running that team so well that the inclusion of Mitchell doesn’t make a whole lot of sense.
The next few weeks will be crucial for the Cavaliers.
They are now without Evan Mobley and Darius Garland and are trying to score as many wins as possible in hopes of staying in contention in the East.
If they flounder, fail, and fall down in the standings, it could lay the groundwork for Mitchell’s departure.
Will Mitchell and Bickerstaff both be on this team next season?
NEXT: NBA Insider Notes Cavs Will Face A Challenge If They Trade Star
