In a blockbuster trade proposal from Bleacher Report’s Greg Swartz, the Los Angeles Lakers would acquire five-time All-Star Donovan Mitchell.
The Lakers would send Austin Reaves,, Rui Hachimura, a 2025 first-round pick, and a 2029 first-round selection in exchange for the proposed deal.
“The Lakers can assemble a strong package of selections and players that would help keep the Cavs competitive, and they should be interested in building a Big Three around Mitchell, LeBron James, and Anthony Davis. The action also replenishes some of Cleveland’s choices that the Utah Jazz still owes them.
“Austin Reaves, 25, has averaged 16.0 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 5.7 assists in 55 games for the Lakers this season. He is an obvious successor as the Cavaliers’ starting 2-guard. The 26-year-old Hachimura is scoring 13.6 points and making 42.2 percent of his three-pointers.
For the Cleveland Cavaliers, 27-year-old Mitchell is averaging 26.5 points per game. If the Lakers were to get him, they would have a third superstar to go with LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
Mitchell Could Deny Player Option For 2025-26 Season
On April 5, Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report stated that it was “all but certain that Mitchell will decline his $37.1 million player option for the 2025–26 season.” Mitchell would be able to investigate unbridled free agency in this way.
But Mitchell is very set to turn down his $37.1 million player option for the 2025–2026 campaign in favor of exploring unrestricted free agency in July of that same year. Before then, Mitchell might agree to a maximum deal, which the Cavaliers would gladly pay, according to several sources. But what happens if he doesn’t?