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PORTLAND, OREGON - FEBRUARY 01: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers warms up before the game against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center on February 01, 2026 in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Soobum Im/Getty Images)
The Cleveland Cavaliers are one of the few teams that have already made a trade before the deadline. They decided to bring in Keon Ellis in a trade with the Kings. They are trying to add pieces so they can fortify their playoff positioning.
Right now, the Cavaliers sit fifth in the Eastern Conference standings. Adding Ellis to the fold is going to help them with some bench play when it comes to the backcourt. Other teams are wondering if the Cavs could potentially make a bigger move.
In fact, some teams are wondering if the Cavaliers would trade one of their superstar players. With the deadline on Thursday, teams are monitoring what Donovan Mitchell might cost.
GettyCleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell looks to pass the ball. (Photo by Kelsey Grant/Getty Images)
The Cavaliers Could Get Offers for Donovan Mitchell
According to ESPN’s Tim Bontemps, other teams are keeping their eyes on Mitchell in Cleveland. He mentioned this on The Hoop Collective Podcast.
“People around the league are watching the Donovan Mitchell situation. He’s got one guaranteed year left on his contract. He’s not made it out of the second round of the playoffs in his career, and if the Cavs don’t make a playoff run this year…there’s pressure there for the Cavs to make a run this year.”
It’s highly unlikely that the Cavs would trade Donovan Mitchell before the trade deadline. Bontemps made it clear that something wouldn’t happen until the summer, if anything happens at all. The Cavaliers are looking to win big this season because they don’t have many options.
With the Cavs above the second apron of the luxury tax, it makes it harder for them to make trades. That is why a move involving any one of their core four players likely wouldn’t happen until the offseason, when they have more clarity on their future cap space.
GettyCleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell dribbles the ball. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images)
The Cavaliers Still Believe They Can Win a Title
Trading for Ellis helps them shed some salary with D’Andre Hunter, but they still think they can win the championship this year. Cleveland is finally in a stretch of having healthy players, so they believe that will help them win more games. In fact, the Cavs are 8-2 in their last 10 games.
With no clear favorite in the Eastern Conference, the Cavs are looking to emerge as the contenders to win the conference once the trade deadline passes. Of course, this all depends on where Giannis Antetokounmpo ends up getting traded, if he’s moved before the deadline.
Right now, the Cavaliers have just the 13th-best defense in the NBA. Any future trades they make will go towards improving that number. That is why the Kings decided to trade for Ellis, as he is a rangy guard who can defend well on the perimeter.
Mitchell has stayed committed to the Cavaliers ever since he arrived in Cleveland. That commitment hasn’t wavered from him or his camp at this point in time.