The upcoming 2022-23 season of the National Basketball Association is set to begin on October 18, 2022. So naturally, the teams are currently busy with acquisitions and releasing players as the trade window slowly approaches its deadline. And recently, reports have come that Utah Jazz star Donovan Mitchell is set to join Cleveland Cavaliers.
Donovan Mitchell Traded To Cavs!
According to numerous reports, the Cleveland Cavaliers have acquired Donovan Mitchell from the Utah Jazz. This big trade bolstered one of the NBA’s most promising young cores for three players and three first-round draft picks. In contrast, the Jazz will receive three unprotected first-round picks, two pick swaps, Ochai Agbaji, Collin Sexton, Lauri Markannen, and three other first-rounders in the trade. On the other hand, Collin Sexton is moving to Utah as part of a sign-and-trade deal that will pay him $72 million over the following four years.
Utah Jazz was unable to lift the Western Conference finals in the past years with Mitchell and star center Rudy Gobert. As a result, they have decided to rebuild their entire squad. The Minnesota Timberwolves acquired Gobert in an off-season trade from the Jazz. Lately, Donovan’s desire to play for the New York Knicks was previously thought to exist. However, the Knicks recently chose against pursuing a deal that would force them to part with several valuable assets in favor of signing RJ Barrett to a long-term contract extension.
With the addition of the 25-year-old Mitchell and Darius Garland, the Cavaliers’ side is suddenly looking top-line. Mitchell scored points in five NBA seasons with a remarkable average of 23.9. With a 44-38 record and eighth-place finish in the Eastern Conference, the Cavaliers missed the playoffs but qualified for the play-in round. Meanwhile, Mitchell has a player option for the 2025–26 season and is under contract until the 2024–25 season. It makes sense to assume that if he succeeds in Cleveland, he’ll be motivated to stay.
LeBron James Reacts To Donovan Joining Cleaveland!
The Cavs were already fun to watch last season. They have all the pieces to contend now. Garland x Spida is TOUGH! 🍿
— 73-9 and THEY LIED (@CuffsTheLegend) September 1, 2022
The blockbuster deal between Utah Jazz and the Cavs to trade Donovan Mitchell for three players is certainly making heads turn around the NBA fraternity. Several big names have reacted to the news of Donovan joining Cleaveland’s squad. Meanwhile, Lakers star and NBA legend LeBron James are also excited about the fascinating addition to the Cavs. Replying to a Tweet confirming the news, King James wrote’ “SO TOUGH!!!!! Super Dope.”
James’ tweet indicates that he is enthusiastic about the Donovan joining his old team. However, LeBron is not the only NBA legend whose eyes this whopping trade deal has caught. Magic Johnson also has his say on the matter. In a Tweet, Johnson wrote, “Great trade for the Cleveland Cavaliers acquiring Donovan Mitchell to match with the young talent they already have. The Cavs will be a force to be reckoned with in the East!”