Every year, a handful of NBA stars enter the offseason with question marks about their future.
Could the Cleveland Cavaliers have a Donovan Mitchell issue on their hands?
As Bleacher Report’s Zach Buckley predicts the next wave of stars who might come with trade demands soon enough, Mitchell joins a list that includes the obvious candidates in Giannis Antetokounmpo and Anthony Davis.
GettyDETROIT, MICHIGAN – MAY 05: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers looks on during the first quarter against the Detroit Pistons in Game One of the Second Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Little Caesars Arena on May 05, 2026 in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
What Makes Mitchell A Potential Candidate?
If results stay the same–even with the organization making the changes around Mitchell–maybe it becomes time for the star guard to change his scenery.
“Mitchell, who has never pushed past the conference semis, could be left wondering whether he needs a move out of Northeast Ohio to pave a championship path,” Buckley explained. “And if he does, the time to make that leverage play is right now, since his current contract has just a single guaranteed season left.”
GettySALT LAKE CITY, UTAH – MARCH 30: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts to a play during the first half against the Utah Jazz at Delta Center on March 30, 2026 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)
The Cavaliers Are On The Path To Another Early Exit
The round one series against the Toronto Raptors went seven games. A first-round exit certainly would’ve had Mitchell on trade watch at the beginning of the summer.
So far, the Cavaliers are 1-2 in the second round. Depending on how the rest of the round plays out, the NBA could soon look at the Cavaliers as holding one of the top trade options on the market.
At a point, Mitchell will have to take accountability for the shortcomings in Cleveland, but that’s not to say he’s not worth a high investment.
GettyCLEVELAND, OHIO – MARCH 15: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts during the second quarter against the Dallas Mavericks at Rocket Arena on March 15, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
The 29-year-old just wrapped up a seventh All-Star season. In 70 games, the veteran guard shot 48.3% from the field and 36.4% from three. Mitchell produced 27.9 points per game, while producing 5.7 assists per game.
In the playoffs, Mitchell is posting averages of 25.1 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 3.0 assists.
It’s too early to tell if Mitchell is truly ready to move on. While the Cavs are currently trailing, they have enough time to force an Eastern Conference Finals push. If they get one, that can be seen as positive progress, which would begin to erase doubt about Mitchell’s future in Cleveland.