New Donovan Mitchell Trade Packages for Lakers, Nets and Teams with 'Offers Ready' | News, Scores, H

The Deal: Donovan Mitchell for Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, Jalen Hood-Schifino, a 2029 first-round pick, a 2030 first-round pick swap and a 2031 first-round pick

We'll start with the glitziest market that could be in the mix for Mitchell this summer. The Lakers just made the conference finals in 2023, but Anthony Davis is 31 and LeBron James will turn 40 this coming season.

The Denver Nuggets (who've eliminated the Lakers in each of the last two campaigns), Minnesota Timberwolves, Oklahoma City Thunder and Dallas Mavericks aren't going anywhere, and it's fair to wonder if the "LeBron, AD and depth" model is still good enough to contend, especially if the "depth" part of that equation just isn't very good.

Turning multiple role players into Mitchell would crack L.A.'s title window open just a bit more while also laying a foundation for the post-LeBron era.

A one-two punch with Mitchell and AD, assuming it's surrounded by a decent supporting cast, could keep the Lakers in contention for the next half-decade.

For the Cavaliers, this deal probably only makes sense if some other suitor can't beat it.

The writing seems to be on the wall for Mitchell's eventual departure. If he won't sign beyond the 2024-25 season, Cleveland has to get something for him. And plenty of teams can offer more draft capital than L.A. can. Those who can afford to give up a ton would have the same dilemma as the Cavs, though. If a team like the Thunder or New Orleans Pelicans acquired Mitchell, they'd probably just be watching the clock till his contract expires, too.

If Mitchell's desire for a big market suppresses his value a bit, the Lakers' ability to send multiple picks, two players who can help right now and a prospect is at least intriguing.

And though losing Mitchell would probably mean Cleveland was taking a half step away from contention, there's a chance this trade could bring a little more balance to the roster. The backcourt wouldn't be quite as small with Reaves, and Hachimura could provide some spacing for a frontcourt that desperately needs it.

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