Donovan Mitchell and the Cleveland Cavaliers entered the 2025 NBA Playoffs with significant momentum. As the top seed in the East, there was a belief that this version of the team could finally make a deep run. But that belief unraveled swiftly.
A 114-105 loss in Game 5 marked a 4-1 loss in the series against the Indiana Pacers in the second round. Cleveland's postseason came to a screeching halt, and the optimism surrounding their regular-season dominance faded fast. While the Cavs had boasted a 64-18 record and finished as the best offensive team in the league, playoff basketball exposed their inexperience, lack of scoring depth, and untimely injuries.
Mitchell’s departure at halftime in Game 4 due to a left calf strain raised several concerns regarding his availability for the elimination game on Tuesday night. Although the Cavs' star was present, his performance of 35 points, nine rebounds, and four steals wasn't enough to see his team survive for another day.
However, this only highlighted the larger issue. Mitchell's playoff runs with the Cavaliers have consistently fallen short. After two consecutive early exits, the narrative is shifting—not only around the team’s ceiling but also around Mitchell’s future in Cleveland.
With three years left on his contract before a player option in 2027–28, the Cavs must decide whether to keep their star or explore trades while his value is still high.
For Mitchell, the time to rebrand himself as a star who can compete on championship squads is now. Meanwhile, the Cavaliers may consider trading him to acquire young assets, versatile wings, and future draft capital that better aligns with the timeline with Darius Garland and Evan Mobley in mind.
With this in mind, we will look at four potential trade destinations that would benefit both Mitchell as well as the Cavs.
1. Oklahoma City Thunder
Proposed Trade Details
OKC Thunder Receive: Donovan Mitchell
Cleveland Cavaliers Receive: Jalen Williams, Isaiah Joe, Kenrich Williams, 2024 No. 15 pick, 2029 Nuggets First-Round Pick, 2031 Thunder First-Round Pick
The Oklahoma City Thunder are approaching a crossroads. Having emerged as the best in the West after a 66-win season, the team has been steamrolling through the playoffs. It is safe to say that they have developed beautifully under Mark Daigneault. However, they will be facing a salary cap crunch in the offseason.
Jalen Williams is due for a payday in 2026, likely a max or near-max extension. While the Thunder have benefited greatly from the youngster's performances, trading him now for a proven All-Star extends their contention window without sacrificing their defensive identity.
Pairing Donovan Mitchell with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander would instantly form arguably the best backcourt in the league. With two elite shot creators on the roster, OKC's offense could see a solid boost with Mitchell on the team.
Meanwhile, the Cavs get a two-way wing in Williams, who averaged 21.6 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 5.3 assists on 48.4% shooting in the regular season. He's a solid secondary threat on offense who can slide next to Garland and Mobley, giving Cleveland the size and secondary playmaking they’ve lacked. Meanwhile, the arrival of picks and role players is always beneficial for the Cavs as they hope to improve their roster depth.
2. Houston Rockets
Proposed Trade Details
Houston Rockets Receive: Donovan Mitchell
Cleveland Cavaliers Receive: Jalen Green, Reed Sheppard, 2027 First-Round Pick (Suns), 2031 First-Round Pick
The Houston Rockets were one of the most surprising teams heading into the postseason. After a dominant run through the regular season, Houston managed to secure the second seed. However, a loss in a grueling seven-game series against the Golden State Warriors saw the team make a quiet exit in the first round.
While there was a lot to like about the development and performance of the team in the playoffs, Rockets guard Jalen Green was dangerously inconsistent. An average of 13.3 points on 37.2% shooting from the field in the playoffs is not befitting of a star player. In this light, he may not fit that vision long-term. In contrast, Donovan Mitchell gives them a proven clutch scorer to pair with Fred VanVleet or Amen Thompson.
Green could still benefit by joining the Cavs. At 23 years old, he boasts elite athleticism and a scoring ability that could be worth developing under less pressure.
Meanwhile, Reed Sheppard, taken No. 3 in the 2024 Draft, is a combo guard with a lightning-quick release, court awareness, and defensive IQ that projects long-term value. Add in two unprotected picks, and Cleveland can confidently pivot to a youth-first approach.
3. Miami Heat
Proposed Trade Details:
Miami Heat Receive: Donovan Mitchell
Cleveland Cavaliers Receive: Tyler Herro, Nikola Jovic, 2030 First-Round Pick (unprotected)
The Miami Heat saw an unfortunate end to their season. While seeing Jimmy Butler leave for the Warriors, the Heat were immensely shorthanded in the superstar department. With only Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo to support the team, the lack of experienced star power was their undoing in the first round.
The Heat have stagnated offensively, and Mitchell offers a much-needed scoring punch next to Adebayo. He thrives in clutch moments and could embrace the “Heat Culture” that often pulls the best out of veteran stars.
Mitchell would also benefit from Erik Spoelstra’s system as it emphasizes creating clean looks, rewards defensive effort, and emphasizes team play. For a player eager to flip the narrative on his postseason exits, there may be no better coach than Spoelstra.
Tyler Herro is coming off a solid 23.8 points per game average in the 2024-25 season. While his defense is limited, his ability to create on offense could ease the burden on Garland. The addition of Nikola Jovic may play a greater role in bolstering their bench. Meanwhile, the unprotected 2030 pick adds long-term intrigue.
4. San Antonio Spurs
Proposed Trade Details:
San Antonio Spurs Receive: Donovan Mitchell
Cleveland Cavaliers Receive: Devin Vassell, 2025 No. 2 Overall Pick, 2025 No. 14 Pick, 2029 Celtics First-Round Pick
The notion of Donovan Mitchell joining the San Antonio Spurs presents another potential landscape shift in the NBA. Victor Wembanyama is already a generational talent, and with the ROTY Stephon Castle, the Spurs boast a tremendous young core. However, the team could always benefit from having another offensive engine to complement De'Aaron Fox in the backcourt. Mitchell fits that bill.
The 28-year-old gives San Antonio another dynamic scorer who thrives in late-clock situations, an ideal threat next to Fox, who is also known to be clutch.
Devin Vassell could also be a solid addition for the Cavaliers. Vassell averaged 16.3 points on 44.3% shooting from the field. He is an ascending two-way wing who fits seamlessly next to Mobley. The No. 2 and No. 14 picks allow Cleveland to potentially draft a future star and another role player with upside. The 2029 Boston pick is just icing. If the Cavs want to retool around youth and length, this trade fast-tracks that plan.
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