Donovan Mitchell Trade Rumors: Potential Boost for Utah Jazz in 2025 NBA Draft

As the Utah Jazz emerge from the All-Star break with 26 games left on their schedule, developments concerning one of their former key players have resurfaced, potentially presenting an opportunity for the Jazz in the 2025 NBA Draft.

Donovan Mitchell, who was traded from the Jazz to the Cleveland Cavaliers in September 2022, seems to be angling for a departure from Cleveland, as reported by Patrick Byrne of Sports Illustrated and Howard Beck of the Ringer.

Reportedly, Mitchell is hesitant to commit to a contract extension with the Cavaliers, likely with the intention of entering free agency in the summer of 2025 to maximize his earning potential in his next deal. The teams he favors in trade discussions reportedly include the Knicks, Nets, and Heat.

Mitchell’s stance could prompt the Cavaliers to seek a trade before the 2024-25 season rather than risk losing him for nothing in 2025. Notably, due to the trade for Mitchell, the Cavaliers currently lack control over their draft picks from 2025 to 2029.

The potential departure of Mitchell from Cleveland before the 2024-25 season would directly benefit the Jazz, potentially causing the Cavaliers to regress from a 50+ win team to a level closer to the play-in tournament or even the lottery.

Even if Cleveland’s 2025 first-round pick doesn’t fall within the top 10, the Jazz’s prospects would significantly improve in the subsequent years (2026-2029) as a result of Mitchell’s departure. This situation mirrors the strategic trading and fortuitous lottery outcomes that Danny Ainge has often capitalized on during his tenure managing NBA teams.