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Stein’s Latest: Mitchell, Allen, Cavs, Heat, Knicks

January 10th 2024 at 4:00pm CST by Luke Adams

The Cavaliers continue to convey that they have zero interest in considering the possibility of a Donovan Mitchell trade this season, Marc Stein writes in his latest Substack article. That stance has been reported by several NBA insiders in recent weeks and remains unchanged with the February 8 deadline just over four weeks away.

As Stein notes, the Cavaliers weren’t interested in the idea of a Mitchell trade when Darius Garland and Evan Mobley first went down with injuries, and team officials have been “emboldened” by the 8-3 run Cleveland has gone on with those two starters out. Center Jarrett Allen, in particular, has been playing some of his best basketball ever, quieting speculation that he might be an in-season trade candidate.

Stein suggests that “pessimism persists” about the Cavaliers’ chances of signing Mitchell to a new contract beyond his current deal, which expires in 2025. However, he doesn’t clarify who exactly is expressing that pessimism, which suggests it’s probably coming from sources outside of the organization and outside of Mitchell’s camp rather than from anyone directly involved in the situation.

Here are a few more items of interest from Stein’s latest story:

  • While the Cavaliers aren’t listening to inquiries for now, the Heat continue to have legitimate interest in Mitchell and could attempt to test Cleveland’s resolve either in the coming weeks or in the 2024 offseason, Stein says. The Knicks and Nets have been frequently mentioned as suitors for Mitchell over the years, but executives from rival front offices view Miami as the top team to watch if the Cavs star becomes available, according to Stein.
  • With no desire to move any of their core players, the Cavaliers are more interested in being a buyer at the trade deadline. Chris Haynes mentioned during a recent episode of the #thisleague UNCUT podcast that Cleveland is in the market for a three-and-D wing, and Stein says he’s heard the same thing. The Cavs’ trade assets are limited, however, as they can’t currently move any of their future first-round picks.
  • The Knicks‘ success since the OG Anunoby gives the team some leverage to remain patient on the trade market in the short term, Stein says, suggesting that New York may focus on smaller moves to improve its depth this season and look to do something bigger in the summer.
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