One of the clubs prepared with offers is the Los Angeles Lakers, in case Cleveland Cavaliers star Donovan Mitchell becomes available.On May 15, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst published a report on “Get Up.”
Sporting News’ Stephen Noh conjectured on the possible composition of the Lakers’ trade package for Mitchell.
Lakers receive: Donovan Mitchell
The following players are acquired by the Cavaliers: D’Angelo Russell (also known as Austin Reaves and Joel Hood-Schifino), Rai Hachimura, 2024 first-round pick, 2029 first-round pick, and 2031 first-round pick.
The Lakers must use all of their first-round picks in order to acquire a third star, as there will be many suitors for Mitchell should the Cavaliers decide to trade him if the five-time NBA All-Star does not decide to extend this summer.
The Lakers stood pat at the trade deadline.
For the upcoming campaign, D’Angelo Russell has a player option. If he chooses to accept, the Lakers will have the easiest method of matching Mitchell’s departing pay when they combine him with Rui Hachimura. It gets much more complicated if Russell chooses not to participate.
It might be necessary to include Jalen Hood-Schifino and Austin Reaves as alternative salaries, Noh noted. When the Lakers faced the Denver Nuggets in their straight postseason exit, Russell, Hachimura, and Reaves all started for the team.
Noh went on to say that the Lakers are getting the best deal available since other teams, including the New York Knicks, who could challenge Mitchell, have more draft picks available than the Lakers.
When ESPN’s NBA expert Adrian Wojnarowski contacted Mitchell for comment, he emphasized this even further. On May 16, Wojnarowski stated, “I reached out to Donovan Mitchell today,” on “NBA Countdown.” And he told me quite clearly that he has no grudges against anyone or anything in Cleveland.
He even told me, “I’m happy in Cleveland.” Ever since moving to Cleveland, I’ve been content. He believes that this Cavaliers team has improved this year. Of course, overcoming the Magic in a best-of-seven first-round series to advance to the Conference Semifinals for the first time since 2018 is important.
However, as he stated, he is not participating in this to advance to the Eastern Conference playoffs’ second round.
Donovan Mitchell is aware that this offseason, he will be asked a question concerning his future in Cleveland. “I know I have a decision to make this offseason,” he stated to me. When the time is perfect, my agent and I will discuss that with Cleveland. “I’m not leaving this season unhappy,” he emphasized. I’m leaving it with more resolve.
