NBA Trade Idea: Magic Acquires Cavs' Donovan Mitchell?
Donovan Mitchell, coming off a season where he won All-NBA Second Team honors as a member of the four-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers. However, the Cavs were unable to stop the staunch defense put on the the New York Knicks front-court, losing in five games, and with a loss like that, frustration rises.
NBA Analysis Network suggests trading Mitchell to the Orlando Magic, but how in the world would that happen?
Immediately following his team's collapse in the first round, rumors swirled about Mitchell possibly seeking a way out of Cleveland. Many assume the New York Knicks as the only obvious suitor, but with plenty of assets and a budding core, the Magic have a case in the Donovan Mitchell sweepstakes.
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The Trade:
Cleveland Cavaliers Receive: F/C Jonathan Isaac, G/F Gary Harris, 2024 First-Round Pick (ORL), 2025 First-Round Pick (Top-5 Protected – DEN via ORL), 2027 First-Round Pick (ORL)
Orlando Magic Receive: G Donovan Mitchell
What's in it for the Cavs?:
Many look at this trade and see Mitchell going to the land of Disney for some first round picks and overpaid players, but what the fan sees as a bad trade, the general manager sees as an opportunity.
If Mitchell truly wanted out, the Cavs would seldom get a fair trade, and with this trade offering two big contracts and three first round picks, it puts them in a good position to make a trade for another big star. It gives them the opportunity to retool their roster to find a star that better amplifies the play of Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen.
What's in it for the Magic?
Everything.
Putting Mitchell alongside Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchero in the starting lineup would give the Magic more shooting along with a bonafide star that the team can rely on in important moments. It would give the team the juice that it needs to leap into the playoff race and even contention for a title.
