How do NBA experts grade the Cavs in Donovan Mitchell trade?

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Donovan Mitchell, Utah Jazz. Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images /

How do NBA experts grade Cavs in Mitchell trade? Mainstream sites

ESPN – Kevin Pelton: C

One of the best writers and analysts at ESPN, Kevin Pelton famously handles the trade grades for every transaction. Keep in mind that his method grades from a ‘C’ as average. With that in mind, Pelton’s was one of the lowest grades to come in ($$). He thinks the Cavs were smart to find a star player on their timeline but notes that the Cavs’ offense was predicated on the bigs initiating from the elbows and will now see growing pains switching to a pick-and-roll scheme. Ultimately, Pelton writes, “the success or failure of this trade hinges on Cleveland’s ability to retain Mitchell beyond his 2025-26 player option.” He is pessimistic that the Cavs will be front-runners in that decision.

The Athletic – Zach Harper: A-

Like many of the mainstream site a number of NBA analysts broke down the Mitchell deal at The Athletic, but the trade grades themselves were handled by Zach Harper ($$). He makes the salient point that “the draft picks are only as significant as the Cavs’ success allows them to be”; if the Cavs play at a high level for the next eight years, those picks will be bad. He likes that the Cavs didn’t disrupt their main core, and that the bench has options even with the depth they sent out. He concludes: “Cleveland is announcing they’re ready to compete in the East.”

Sports Illustrated – Rohan Nadkarni: A

Over at the-once-great Sports Illustrated, Nadkarni’s assessment began thusly: “I love this move!” He points to Mitchell’s explosive scoring and shooting as much-needed factors that will elevate the offense. He also looks at Cleveland’s context; how else would they add a star? This was the one best option available to them. “Ultimately, as far as home run swings go, this is a sensible one for Cleveland.”

CBS – Colin Ward-Henninger: A+

Over at CBS, the praise was effusive for the Cavs, pointing to Donovan as an elite on-ball creator and attacker whose weaknesses are mitigated by his new teammates. His summary statement: “In one fell swoop, the Cavs set themselves up for both present and future success with three All-Stars (and one future All-Star) all under the age of 26.”