Prior to the 2022-23 NBA season, the Cleveland Cavaliers were slowly developing their core of Collin Sexton and Lauri Markannen.
However, the organization included them, among other assets, in a trade package for Donovan Mitchell.
Mitchell’s arrival helped the team become one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference, as they finished as the fourth seed last season.
Although Mitchell is still putting up great numbers in the 2023-24 NBA season, many rumors are suggesting that the Cavaliers may trade him sooner rather than later.
NBA insider Brian Windhorst shared his honest thoughts on the rumors surrounding the bleak future of Mitchell with the Cavaliers via ESPN Cleveland on Twitter.
“His value is very high, but their ability to trade him and maintain or improve their status in the NBA will be a challenge,” Windhorst said.
"His value is very high, but their ability to trade him and maintain or improve their status in the NBA will be a challenge," – @WindhorstESPN on Donovan Mitchell.
Do you think the Cavs should entertain trading Mitchell right now? pic.twitter.com/nkGG19uHVl
— ESPN Cleveland (@ESPNCleveland) December 19, 2023
Windhorst agreed that Mitchell has a high trade value, considering he is averaging 27.7 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game this season for the Cavaliers.
But at the same time, Windhorst pointed out that if the Cavaliers indeed trade away the four-time NBA All-Star, their status in the Eastern Conference could take a major hit.
After all, even with Mitchell’s excellent numbers, the Cavaliers are still the sixth seed in the Eastern Conference with a 15-12 record this season.
Considering the Cavaliers are dealing with a plethora of injury troubles this season, trading away Mitchell could do more harm than good for the organization.
Despite all the downsides to the move, will the Cavaliers still entertain a potential trade around the 2022-23 All-NBA guard?
Fans will find out when the NBA trade deadline approaches.
NEXT: Donovan Mitchell Raves About 1 Cavs Young Player
