NBA Rumors: 38YO Knick Could Salvage Donovan Mitchell Situation for Cavs as Lakers Threat Looms Large

The Cleveland Cavaliers are at a crossroads once again. It’s either building the team with Donovan Mitchell or starting from scratch. Following the semi-final exit, the team dismissed their head coach, J. B. Bickerstaff. While they scout for their next talisman, the Wine and Gold side also needs to find a way to keep away the Lakers’ front office’s eagle eye on their superstar guard. Fortunately, the Cavs finally seemed to have found a blessing in disguise.

Reportedly Johnnie Bryant has gained momentum in the Cavs head coach vacancy race while Kenny Atkinson remained the favorite. It may seem like an ordinary front office update, but the catch is Bryant, the Knicks associate head coach “is very close with Donovan Mitchell”, as per Evan Sidery. Mitchell and Bryant had developed a strong bond since their time in the Utah Jazz. During the guard’s 5-season-long stint with the Jazz, Bryant was one of the assistant coaches in the unit. He also developed a reputation as a strong player-development coach.

If the Cavs hire the 38-year-old, they will not only appoint the second-youngest head coach, but he could also save the team from a tragedy. As Mitchell will be eligible for a max contract in the off-season and has only one guaranteed season left with the team before he reaches the player option in 2024-25, the team has an important job in hand. It has to either let go of the guard or trade out Darius Garland, who is currently exercising a 5-year max contract.

Amid this delicate situation, the latest NBA rumors revealed that the Laker’s front office is interested in roping in the guard. After D’Angelo Russell‘s disappointing playoff run, the hoops community has been showered with a lot of trade rumors.

Will the Lakers form their Big 3 with Donovan Mitchell?

Despite having Anthony Davis and LeBron James by their side, the Lakers couldn’t make an impact in the league. Notably, after D’Lo‘s letdown in the first round, the LA side might need to have a look at their options. And Donovan Mitchell may even solve the issue of the struggling franchise.

Speaking of the Spida Mitchell trade rumor, Jovan Buha, The Athletic reporter, considered him as the Lakers’ “preferred guy” over Hawks’ Trae Young. Earlier, the Lakers eyed the Hawks’ Dejounte Murray during the trade deadline, but they have shifted their target to a higher prize.

Bringing in the experience of shouldering a franchise, Mitchell could add a lot of value to the Lakers side. And importantly, the LA side can also see a foreseeable future with the All-Star. Nevertheless, it depends on the guards to either stick with the Cavs and bag a max extension or find a better team.

Moreover, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski revealed Mitchell’s mindset after the playoff exit. He added, “He (Donovan Mitchell) is not disgruntled with anyone or anything in Cleveland.” And also quoted him, saying, “I know I’ve got decisions to make this offseason. My agent and I will talk to Cleveland about that at the right time… I am not leaving the season unhappy, I’m leaving it more determined.” 

So it’s not over until it’s over. Until then, the Cavs will hang on a loose thread. Will Spida Mitchell continue with the Cavs? Let us know in the comments.

Stay tuned for more such updates, and to follow in what Shaq’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, had to say about the marketing genius, watch this video.