3 Donovan Mitchell Trade Packages the Lakers Should Offer
By Jovan Alford
With the Cleveland Cavaliers eliminated from the NBA playoffs, All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell’s time might be up with the organization.
Mitchell, who possibly played his last game in a Cavaliers’ uniform in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals, may not sign a contract extension with the team. If the five-time All-Star guard doesn’t sign an extension with the Cavaliers, it could open up the possibility of a trade this offseason.
If that scenario happens, the Los Angeles Lakers are one of the teams interested in acquiring Mitchell.
However, it might be costly for the Lakers to acquire Mitchell, as he’s set to make $35.4 million next season. Below, we’ll highlight a few trade packages Los Angeles should offer for the multiple-time All-Star.
Trade Package No. 1
Los Angeles sends Rui Hachimura, Austin Reaves, Jalen Hood Schifino, and a 2029 first-round pick to Cleveland for Donovan Mitchell
This potential trade package might be the most drastic as the Lakers are depleting their depth by moving Hachimura and Reaves to the Cavs for Mitchell. Reaves gives Cleveland a quality starting two-guard alongside Darius Garland, while Hachimura gives them some versatility and offense off the bench.
Reaves saw his production slightly increase this season from the 2022-23 campaign, scoring 15.9 points per game on 48.6 percent shooting from the field and 36.7 percent from beyond the arc.
Even though Reaves’ shooting percentages were slightly lower than in 2022-23 (52.9% FG and 36.7% 3pt), you could argue that he was their third-best player this season. The Lakers wouldn’t want to give up Reaves, but if Mitchell could push them over the top, they would have to at least consider it.