BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - MAY 07: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers looks on Game One of the Eastern Conference Second Round Playoffs against the Cleveland Cavaliers at TD Garden on May 07, 2024 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 : (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images))
Things could be changing in Cleveland.
Brian Windhorst on ESPN Get Up revealed that the Los Angeles Lakers and the Brooklyn Nets are teams that are monitoring the Donovan Mitchell situation with the Cavaliers closely.
"There is an optimism within that organization that they're going to sign him," said Windhorst of the Cleveland Cavaliers.
"There are a number of teams that have their offers ready," he added.
"Are the Lakers one?"
When asked about the New York Knicks, Windhorst responded, "the Knicks are trying to win this Eastern Conference series, but certainly across the river there in Brooklyn."
However, there have been rumblings that the star guard has been noncommittal when asked about his future with the Cavaliers. If Mitchell chooses to not to extend, a trade for the All-Star shooting guard becomes very likely.
The Cavs swung for the fences back in 2022, putting together a package that sent Donovan Mitchell to Cleveland after a successful stint in Utah with the Jazz.
Now, the Cavaliers could be preparing for a future without the All-Star guard.
Mitchell has been electric throughout the postseason, averaging 29.6 points per game. However, a nagging strained calf injury has slowed him down, forcing him to sit in Game 4 and Game 5 vs. the Celtics.
CLEVELAND, OHIO - Donovan Mitchell (#45) of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts on the bench during the first quarter in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Second Round Playoffs at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on May 13, 2024 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo : Nick Cammett/Getty Images)
Los Angeles Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers are looking for a third superstar to add to the pair up with LeBron James and Anthony Davis after their previous string of disappointing postseason results.
Adding Donovan Mitchell would give the Lakers that option to help an aging but effective LeBron James and Anthony Davis, who are still at the peak of their play.
Brooklyn Nets
The Brooklyn Nets are the wild card in this scenario. The franchise that missed the postseason this past year could likely go star hunting (again) this time trying to put together a trade for Donovan Mitchell.
The Nets will be missing out on the NBA Draft this year. as their No.3 overall pick, obtained in the James Harden trade, will go to Houston.
Bringing Mitchell back home to New York, but in Black and White, would not be a bad idea for a Nets team looking to build a path towards success since being moved to Brooklyn.
New York Knicks
The other team in New York, the Knicks, at one point were trying to bring Spida home before he was dealt to the Cavaliers in 2022.
Chances are that the Knicks could still try to make a play at bringing in the dynamic shooting guard.
The Knicks do have the pieces and picks to bring in Donovan Mitchell, and likely wouldn't hesitate to pair him up with Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle to better their chances at winning a championship.
But, are the New York Knicks (Nova Knicks) willing to break up the beloved Villanova Trio to acquire more star power?