The perfect Lakers trade offer for Donovan Mitchell

by Ben Cooper

2022 Getty Images

With Donovan Mitchell and the Cleveland Cavaliers eliminated the Mitchell trade rumors will only heat up.

Mitchell is entering the final year of his contract and could request a trade this offseason. He averaged 26/5/6 with 1.8 steals per game on 46/37/87 shooting splits this season.

The Lakers, recognizing the strategic importance of acquiring the 27-year-old star, are keen to create a formidable big three with LeBron James and Anthony Davis.

This move not only strengthens their current roster but also paves the way for a smooth transition in the post-LeBron era, with Davis having a co-star to lead the team.

With that in mind, let’s break down the perfect Lakers trade offer for Donovan Mitchell. 

Cavs receive: Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, Jalen Hood-Schifino, the 17th overall pick, a 2026 first-round pick swap, a 2029 first-round pick, and a 2031 first-round pick

Lakers receive: Donovan Mitchell

In this deal, the Lakers would have to give up a lot. If Mitchell is made available, many teams will be in the mix. Potential teams could be the Brooklyn Nets, New York Knicks, San Antonio Spurs, and Oklahoma City Thunder, who could all outbid LA based on picks alone.

However, the Lakers could still have a competitive offer. Austin Reaves is a talented guard who has continued to grow every year of his career. Rui Hachimura is a solid role player whom Cleveland could value. 

Reaves and Hachimura as the core pieces, plus a young player in Jalen Hood-Schifino, three first-round picks, and a pick swap may be more valuable to a team like Cleveland, who likely will want to contend with their core even after trading Mitchell.

Reaves and Hachimura would add to the Cavs' core of Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen.

Other teams may have more picks to include, but the Purple and Gold’s ability to trade away quality players who are still young could set their offer apart.

When Cleveland acquired Mitchell in 2022, they sent away Lauri Markkanen, Collin Sexton, Ochai Agbaji, three first-round picks, and two first-round pick swaps.

This deal mirrors that with two solid players, a young player, three first-round picks, and just one less pick swap. The reason for one less pick swap is Mitchell will be entering the final year of his deal and it would be risky if they can’t work out an extension.

This deal would give the LakeShow a bonafide star who would fit into their short-term and long-term plans—Mitchell’s ability to score and make plays would take pressure off of James and Davis.

Mitchell’s ability to score at all three levels, including shooting from behind the arc, will make him a much better fit as a big three than Russell Westbrook.

Rob Pelinka and the front office should make an offer to acquire Mitchell. However, if they don’t land him, it would be wise to pursue depth rather than pursuing another star, as Mitchell is the only available star worth trading for.

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