3 realistic expectations for the Cavs after Donovan Mitchell trade

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Donovan Mitchell, Utah Jazz and Evan Mobley, Cleveland Cavaliers. Photo by Chris Gardner/Getty Images /

Realistic expectation for Cavs No. 1: Playoffs or bust

Losing Sexton and Ricky Rubio last season was a tough blow, but they played well enough to make the playoffs last season. They now have a player in Donovan Mitchell who has made the playoffs in each of his first five seasons in the NBA as the best player on his team. There is no reason that should change with his new squad.

While Mitchell had a great supporting cast in Utah, one could argue that this Cavs roster might be the best of his career. Yes, he had three-time Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert and some solid role players around him, but he’s now playing with two other All-Stars in Darius Garland and Jarrett Allen, and a future All-Star in Evan Mobley.

A team with four All-Star caliber players on the court simultaneously needs to make the playoffs. There is no reason they should miss the postseason unless they suffer major injuries. I mean, they suffered major injuries last season and still almost made it.

If the Cavaliers get anything out of this trade, it’s that they are almost guaranteed to make the playoffs for the first time without LeBron James since 1998. That’s a win in and of itself.