Pros, cons of Zach Lowe’s proposed Cavs trade for Donovan Mitchell

Pros of Zach Lowe’s proposed Cavs trade for Donovan Mitchell

Donovan Mitchell is an incredibly gifted offensive player, one who has already proven for extended periods and on the biggest stages that he can be efficient in a high-usage role. He came roaring into the league five seasons ago averaging 20.5 points on a playoff team as a rookie and hasn’t looked back.

Mitchell can score from all angles and is a good enough shooter to hit pull-up 3-pointers. He and Garland would make a potent combination, with both dynamic ball-handlers and knockdown shooters. Mitchell was 10th in Offensive EPM (Estimated Plus/Minus) last season, a few spots ahead of Garland (16th). He also has his best passing season and together with Garland would have defenses spinning like tops.

In the trade pitched by Lowe, the Cavs would be moving a lot of their mid-tier role players, but not giving up any of their young core. That’s a home run as far as asset management because the Cavs would have a legitimate core of four players, with Mitchell the oldest (he will turn 26 in September) but still just entering his prime.

Bojan Bogdanovic would be a candidate to start at the 3, but the team could go for a stronger defender in Dean Wade and have Bogdanovic as a super sub. Ochai Agbaji, Lamar Stevens, Ricky Rubio and Kevin Love would fill out the bench on top of minimum signings. Even moving four players in the deal the Cavs would still have plenty of depth.

Given that Mitchell is under contract for three more seasons, with a player option after that, he will have the chance to taste success with the Cavs before deciding if he wants to be elsewhere. The Cavs have a great culture in place and would provide a well-balanced team around Mitchell.