Donovan Mitchell scenario where Cavaliers should trade him ‘today’

Donovan Mitchell’s time in Cleveland may already have an expiration date.

Despite the star guard having arguably the best season of his career and helping the Cavaliers to their first 50-win season without LeBron James since 1992–93, ESPN’s Tim Bontemps said he believed Mitchell would never sign an extension with Cleveland and that the team should consider parting ways with him before his contract expires.

“I don’t think there’s any chance he’ll ever sign an extension there, and if it were up to me, I’d trade Donovan Mitchell today.” Bontemps said on “The Hoop Collective Podcast”,

“I don’t think the Cavs are going to go as far as they hope to next year, and I don’t think he will, and I think two summers left will get them a lot more for him than one summer left.”

“Now I’m also fully aware that they’re not going to do that and I understand why they’re not going to do that… but personally I think they’re more likely to lose in the first round than to win two rounds, and in that scenario, I really don’t see a world where Donovan Mitchell would want to be there after next season.”

Mitchell is under contract for the next three seasons, with a player option for a third season worth approximately $37 million.

Coming off a season in which Mitchell scored a career-high 28.3 points per game and set a franchise record 71 points in a single game on his way to his first All-NBA selection, his trade value has never been higher.

If made available, the New York Knicks would likely be one of the first teams to call to make an offer.

Before being traded to Cleveland, Mitchell had made it clear that he wanted to play for the Knicks and was pretty sure he would get there.

The Knicks could also provide the Cavaliers with some attractive assets for the 26-year-old, such as forward RJ Barrett, guards Emmanuel Quickly and Quentin Grimes, who could go with the draft picks they collect.

But unless Cleveland takes a major step back during the 2023-24 season, don’t expect Mitchell to be on the trade block anytime soon.