Grading Cavs’ trade for Donovan Mitchell from all angles

Grading Cavs’ trade for Donovan Mitchell from all angles: The Overall Grade

The Cleveland Cavaliers just traded for a 25 year-old three-time All-Star who immediately fills a need on this roster. The Cavs now have four All-Stars (or future All-Stars) under contract for at least the next three seasons, and their ages are 25, 24, 22 and 21. That’s a whole lot of upside, and a long time to realize it.

That’s the best part of this trade. The Cavs didn’t go for a win-now move that mortgaged the future for the present; they invested in a better present and a better future. Mitchell may want to bolt for the big city in a few years, but he absolutely could buy into the success of the Cavs and decide to stick around.

Even if MItchell decides to leave the Cavs aren’t going to be in moribund shape like the Brooklyn Nets after the trade for Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett went south. They will still be in the prime of their window, with the ability to flip Mitchell again for assets or for another core piece.

There are concerns here. Mitchell needs to take a step forward on defense for this backcourt to survive. The Cavs have to solve their small forward problem with extremely limited resources. Cleveland may have three top-25 players in a couple of years, but to win the title you generally need a top 7 guy. Will the Cavs ever have one of those again?

This was fair value for Mitchell and the kind of swing you have to make as a small market team in Cleveland. The Cavs are going to be good this year, and could be downright excellent in the years to come. It may become an overpay, but it’s highly unlikely to become a disaster. Just as likely? A dynasty.

Grade: B+