A few notes before discussing the specific details of this trade… The picks and players involved are all subject to change, the basic framework of the deal is as follows: Cleveland lands BI, Trey Murphy and picks for Mitchell; Minnesota dumps KAT’s salary for five 1sts (three picks and two swaps) and CJ’s expiring contract (someone they can hope to resign for less money in 2026); and the Pels get a super team for CJ, BI, Murphy and picks.
The small details I have proposed (contracts such as Struss, Naz Reid and Nance Jr.) are there as an example of how the trade can be adjusted to make things more even for all parties involved. With all of that said, let’s get to the specifics of my proposal.
As a Cavs fan, I’ll naturally start things with Cleveland. The latest comments Mitchell has made make me nervous for his future here in Cleveland. He stated “First round, second round is cool. I'm taking it one round at a time. But my goal is to make the conference finals and get to the NBA Finals, you know what I mean? That's what I'm judged on.”
Realistically, that is not going to happen here in Cleveland this year. If the Cavs get past Orlando (which they should) they’ll likely have to face Boston next. I’d be surprised if the Cavs can stretch that series to 6 games. With that said, it’s likely that Mitchell will request a trade to a “true contender.” Even if the Pels keep CJ and do not do the second part of this trade for KAT, they would still be a better fit for Mitchell to win now. Over the period where DG was injured, Mitchell proved he can play PG at an extremely high level. What do the Pels need? A better PG.
If Cleveland trades Mitchell, they’ll likely want to build around their young core, both Murphy and BI fit into that core nicely (not to mention the picks). Cleveland will also want to move off of Strus and Niang due to their age. That’s why we see them moving those two as part of this deal. In the end, Cleveland gets to have the best young roster in the East (2nd in the NBA best to OKC). Cleveland’s starting 5 would be: DG, Murphy, BI, Mobley and Allen with help on the bench from LeVert, Okoro, Wade and new addition Naz Reid (who the Cavs tried to sign this offseason).
The Pels end of this deal should be self explanatory, trade for win now pieces using assets on the team. I think they would gladly send all of those picks and players to build this roster. They’re getting my the best fit possible at center to play along side Zion and an incredible passer/scorer in Donovan Mitchell to help take the load off Zion. They’re also getting an extremely talented and underrated shooter in Sam Merrill. Their starting 5 would be: Mitchell, Strus, Herb Jones, Zion and KAT.
Lastly, let’s discuss the biggest question mark of this trade, the Wolves. Why do they make this trade? Well, their ownership situation is an absolute mess. It’s very likely that KAT will be traded for expiring contracts and picks. In this deal, Minnesota gets less expensive, they get picks and an expiring contract. Would they actually trade Naz Reid? Potentially, yes. Essentially, they’re dumping KAT, getting a 2 guard that can space the floor, a PF who can bring floor spacing off the bench (who isn’t too expensive) and a downgrade a bench C offensively (but Nance more than makes up for that on the defensive end. Their starting 5 would probably be as follows: Conley, CJ, Ant Man, McDaniels, Gobert. They’re getting control of five 1sts to help build a brighter (less expensive) future for Edwards. CJ would likely resign on a far less expensive contract and Niang is a great piece to have off the bench.
Overall, if anyone says no here, it’s the Wolves. I don’t know how excited they would be to trade both Reid and KAT. That said, the trade could easily be adjusted to remove Reid from the equation. Personally, I don’t think the move from Reid to Nance Jr is that much of a downgrade and if the Wolves goal is to shave salary, he’s another expiring contract that can help accomplish that. What do you all think? Does this trade work? Who’s giving up too much? Who isn’t getting enough in return?