The Cavaliers‘ trade for Donovan Mitchell came together quickly last week after the Knicks decided to give an extension to RJ Barrett, Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com says in a HoopsHype discussion with Michael Scotto. The Cavs and Jazz held unproductive talks regarding Mitchell in July at the Las Vegas Summer League, but president of basketball operations Koby Altman reached out again after news leaked of Barrett’s extension, asking if Utah would accept a package that didn’t include Darius Garland, Jarrett Allen or Evan Mobley.
The resulting deal gives Cleveland four potential All-Stars who are under contract for the next three seasons, along with $2.5MM in remaining cap room to fill out the roster. Fedor notes that the Cavaliers have a history of keeping a roster spot open for flexibility, so the next move may not happen right away. He suggests Cleveland may try to package Caris LeVert or Cedi Osman along with second-round picks in an effort to trade for a reliable small forward.
Scotto points out that Collin Sexton was a big winner in the trade because he had to be re-signed before he could be sent to Utah. Scotto hears that Sexton’s new four-year, $72MM contract is far beyond what Cleveland would have offered to keep him. The Cavs had been unwilling to exceed the luxury tax threshold to re-sign Sexton or to attach assets in an Osman trade to clear more room below the tax to increase their offer to Sexton.
There’s more on the Cavaliers from Fedor and Scotto:
- Kevin Love‘s expiring $28.9MM contract could be used for another major trade, but Fedor believes the team is more likely to keep Love and take advantage of the cap relief after the season. Love accepted a reserve role under coach J.B. Bickerstaff last season and is well-liked in the locker room. Scotto can see him re-signing next summer for roughly the mid-level exception.
- The Cavs brought back Ricky Rubio on a multiyear contract because they aren’t certain how much he’ll be able to play this season, according to Fedor. Rubio was examined by the team’s medical staff recently, and there’s still no timetable for him to return from the ACL tear he suffered last December. Fedor hears that Rubio might be ready in January or February, but the Cavaliers are mostly focused on getting a fully healthy season from him in 2023/24.
- Cleveland wouldn’t turn down a LeBron James return after his current contract expires, but it would be on much different terms than when he came back in 2014, Fedor adds. Management feels good about the roster it has put together and wouldn’t be willing to give James the power that he typically demands.
Who would the Cavs even realistically trade LeVert or Osman for? Bogdan Bogdanovich probably won’t go anywhere without a first, The Suns probably won’t trade Crowder for Osman+2nds, and most of the genuinely good forwards have changed hands this season.
Perhaps Barnes? But it’d be a weird mix of assets
I’d just wait it out. They’ll be a good team either way. If Okoro shows he’s taken the next step or if LaVert plays well you’re set. If not they can free up almost $30 million in cap space next off season with Love and LaVert’s expiring contracts, that should be plenty to address SF in the next off season
Barnes would be a good look. He’s more of a 4 but with the Towers and Lauri doing so well at 3 I think its an option.
You do realize Lauri is no longer on the Cavs? Wish he was he put up 70 in Euro this summer. For Jazz he was filler to make contracts work. They will probably trade him for another #1
I believe he was referring to Lauri’s performance last season.
Cavs should stop tinkering with their roster for now, and wait til mid season trade deadline. So many things can happen until then…
With the firepower Mitchell brings the Cavs don’t need a high octane player at the 3. They need a 3 and D, or a junkyard dog, or a bruiser, or a facilitator. They may already have those types on their roster. Better to wait and see. Trade deadline still several months away. I’d be more concerned about the point. With Rubio out, what happens if Garland gets injured? Can this craft fly with Neto or Mitchell taking the pilot seat for an extended period?
Mitchell ran the point for Utah when Conley was out. Heck at one time Neto subbed for Rubio on the Jazz as well.
No he didn’t.
I was a big fan of this cavs team before the trade, and now after the trade I’m still a big fan. I don’t care what they do, I’ll be a supporter for life and will love this team through thick and thin! With that being said I love what Altman is doing!
Cleveland used it assets to get what was lacking. Mobley is going to be a stud. Garland has just scratching the surface of how good he will be. Should be a fun year in Cleveland
And Allen is an awesome big man