One NBA writer proposed that the Los Angeles Lakers acquire Donovan Mitchell from the Cleveland Cavaliers this summer.
Andy Bailey of Bleacher Report proposed the following trade idea between the Lakers and Cavaliers:
The Deal: Donovan Mitchell for Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, Jalen Hood-Schifino, a 2029 first-round pick, a 2030 first-round pick swap and a 2031 first-round pick
The Lakers are interested in trading for Mitchell, who is extension-eligible this offseason.
Mitchell can sign an extension for up to four years and around $200 million this summer. He has a player option worth $37 million for the 2025-26 season.
One of the top scorers in the NBA, Mitchell can become an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2025 if he declines his 2025-26 player option.
According to NBA insider Marc Stein, there is a growing belief that the Cavaliers will be forced to trade Mitchell if an extension isn’t reached this summer.
The Lakers, led by LeBron James and Anthony Davis, have lost to the Denver Nuggets in back-to-back playoffs. Mitchell could be the missing piece Los Angeles needs to win another championship in the LeBron-Davis era.
“Turning multiple role players into Mitchell would crack L.A.’s title window open just a bit more while also laying a foundation for the post-LeBron era,” Bailey wrote. “A one-two punch with Mitchell and AD, assuming it’s surrounded by a decent supporting cast, could keep the Lakers in contention for the next half-decade.
