Cavaliers could look to trade star guard before free agency

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

Cavaliers could potentially trade star guard 'well before' free agency

By Adam Taylor | Last updated 4/6/24

Donovan Mitchell's future with the Cleveland Cavaliers has been an endless discussion since the team acquired him from the Utah Jazz in September 2022. The All-Star guard has refused to commit his future to the franchise.

Mitchell currently has two years remaining on his $163 million deal. However, the final year is a player option that he is widely expected to opt out of.

According to Bleacher Report's Eric Pincus, the Cavaliers could trade Mitchell 'well before' he is a risk to enter free agency.

"However, Mitchell is all but certain to decline his $37.1 million player option for the 2025-26 season to explore unrestricted free agency next July," Pincus explained. "The buzz in NBA circles suggests that barring a run to the NBA Finals, Mitchell will decline an extension and look elsewhere, and the Cavaliers are more likely than not to move him well before he can leave outright as a free agent."

Latest @BleacherReport Landing Spots for Donovan Mitchell If Cavs Trade Star Guard During NBA Offseason -> on the assumption he chooses not to extend in Clevelandhttps://t.co/lWR9ucJfxm
— Eric Pincus (@EricPincus) April 5, 2024

Deciding how to approach Mitchell's contract situation must be a primary issue for the Cavaliers front office. Until they sort out his future one way or another, it will be difficult for the franchise to continue moving forward. Cleveland is close to becoming a genuine contender in the Eastern Conference. Losing Mitchell would undoubtedly set them back.

If the Cavaliers were to trade their star guard, though, they would undoubtedly receive a significant compensation package, with multiple players and draft picks likely heading to the franchise. That would allow Cleveland to quickly rebuild or find another star talent. They also have Darius Garland, who is a potential future star in his own right.

The discourse surrounding Mitchell's future is clearly hindering Cleveland's progress. Making a decision during the offseason is what's best for all parties. If that means losing an All-Star guard who is among the best scorers in the NBA, then so be it. Cleveland's front office needs to act in the team's best interest. That means this season could be Mitchell's last in Ohio.

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