Topline
The Utah Jazz have traded star guard Donovan Mitchell to the Cleveland Cavaliers in exchange for three players and a trove of draft picks, according to multiple reports, a move few saw coming that could make the Cavaliers contenders in the Eastern Conference.
Donovan Mitchell of the Utah Jazz reacts to a call during a game against the Oklahoma City Thunder … [+]
Key Facts
Mitchell is being sent to Cleveland in exchange for guard Collin Sexton, forward Lauri Markkanen, guard Ochai Agbaji, three unprotected first-round picks (in the 2025, 2027 and 2029 drafts) and two pick swaps.
Mitchell’s departure from Utah was expected but Cleveland was not among the frontrunners for his destination—oddsmakers had the New York Knicks as heavy favorites to land Mitchell prior to Thursday’s move.
Key Background
The Cavaliers finished eighth in the Eastern Conference last year and failed to make the playoffs after being knocked out of the play-in tournament. But the trade for Mitchell, considered one of the top shooting guards in the NBA, appears to instantly make the team stronger, since the Cavs were also able to complete the deal without moving top talents like All-Stars Jarrett Allen and Darius Garland, and promising second-year player Evan Mobley. The Jazz, on the other hand, appear to be embarking on a full-on rebuilding project. Mitchell’s trade comes less than two months after the team dealt star center Rudy Gobert to the Minnesota Timberwolves for several players and four first-round draft picks.
Big Number
13. That’s how many draft picks the Jazz have acquired through 2029 as a result of trades, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
Further Reading
Donovan Mitchell Trade Inevitable? Odds Suggest So (With Clear Favorite) (NESN)
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/nicholasreimann/2022/09/01/jazz-send-donovan-mitchell-to-cavaliers-in-trade-shocker/