After previously reporting for The Athletic that people around the league expect Donovan Mitchell to sign an extension with the Cavaliers, Shams Charania reiterated on Thursday that Cleveland is optimistic about that outcome (Twitter video link via FanDuel’s Run It Back Show). That aligns with what president of basketball operations Koby Altman said on Friday about the star guard.
That same report also stated that if Mitchell inks an extension, Darius Garland‘s agent, Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul, “would have a conversation with Cavs officials on potentially finding a new home for the one-time All-Star.”
In an interview with Chris Haynes of Bleacher Report, Paul didn’t exactly refute that rumor.
“As of now, there’s nothing to discuss on that,” Paul said as part of a larger quote. “My job is to evaluate every situation for every guy that we as a company represent. I’m a representative of players, and I help advise them on business decisions. It’s a lot more to it than just negotiating a contract after four years. Some guys choose to do that and only focus on that. I’m different. I try to look at everything.
“You try to position guys a certain way to continue to have value. … And so these guys have to make sure they understand that having the talent they have, and the production, allows them to maintain value.”
When asked about potentially splitting up the backcourt tandem, Altman said, “I don’t see why we should” (Twitter link via Danny Cunningham of Cleveland Magazine).
Here’s more on the Cavs:
- Veteran forward Marcus Morris was only with the Cavaliers for about two months, but he admits he saw signs of disconnect between the team and J.B. Bickerstaff, he said on Run It Back (Twitter video links). Bickerstaff was fired on Thursday after leading the Cavs to the second round of the playoffs. The 34-year-old unrestricted free agent also said he expects Mitchell to stay with the Cavs. “I think Cleveland is a great place for (Mitchell)…I would be highly surprised if he left.”
- Jason Lloyd of The Athletic argues that Bickerstaff deserved to stay on the job for another season, writing that the 45-year-old “consistently had his players’ backs, even when they didn’t have his.” Lloyd also contends that Altman didn’t want to fire Bickerstaff but felt forced to due to Mitchell’s contract situation — the five-time All-Star was one of the players who reportedly questioned the coach’s “tactics and strategies.”
- Appearing on NBA Today (YouTube link), ESPN’s Brian Windhorst agreed with Lloyd about Altman’s decision, pointing out that there’s an “extreme closeness” between the Bickerstaff family and Altman. J.B.’s father Bernie Bickerstaff has been a longtime advisor to the Cavs and Altman.
- According to Windhorst, Timberwolves assistant Micah Nori is a potential name to watch in the Cavaliers’ coaching search. The Cavs’ vacancy may be more attractive than normal due the strength of the Western Conference and perceived weakness of the East — Windhorst has heard player agents are trying to steer their clients to the East too.
- In an Insider-only story, ESPN’s Bobby Marks outlines the options Mitchell and the Cavs will have this offseason. Marks also explores hypothetical trades from teams that would have interest in Mitchell if he becomes available.
Don’t believe Spidy will be a long term Cav. Sign and trade, but he won’t stick around. If I’m Cleveland, I’m picking up the phone and asking Brooklyn how many picks can they get with Bridges. Win win.
I’m fully expecting him to sign an extension and then asking to be traded after a year or two.
If the Cavs can stay competitive Mitchell will stay. They can offer him more money and any team that trades for him will have to gut their roster and lose most of their assets to do so. Brooklyn would likely have to put a package together of something like Bridges, Thomas and Whitehead plus multiple firsts to make the trade work for salary purposes and and to get Altman’s attention. I think the Cavs will trade Garland for an impact wing and give the keys to Mitchell.
Rockets should target Garland
Trade Idea 1: Brooks and Jalen Green for Garland
Trade Idea 2: VanVleet and #3 for Garland/Wade
Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul, “would have a conversation with Cavs officials on potentially finding a new home for the one-time All-Star
Cash doesn’t work, nor would Cleveland make a trade for yet another PG of lesser talent. Makes zero sense.
Trae young for Fred V and the 3rd pick
It’s not just “people around the league” (whatever that means) believing DM will sign the extension, it’s Altman essentially saying it’s done. I realize Marks already wrote his d/a article, so he has to get it out there, but its moot. After a year, he can go into the “new” free agent market, by demanding a trade.
I would think there will be a lot of interest in Garland and Allen. But it doesn’t sound like CLE plans to do much until they believe they have to.
Lakers trade idea
Lakers get Garland (Agent Rich Paul)
Cavs get DLo, Vincent and 2 Firsts
Again
Next big thing is Lakers 2031 unprotected first round pick
If LeBron wants Garland on his team (Lakers) your trade idea makes alot sense, the only problem is that DLo is free agent so it needs to be done by sign and trade and I don’t really know if DLo want to play in Cleveland. The other scenario is to try a trade including AR15 and/or Rui, but once again any Laker trade it have to be approved by the King.
You forgot the part where Cleveland hangs up.
Garland for Ingram. Jarrett Allen for Zubac and Tucker.
First one good for both teams, second is a steal for clippers
First one creates the same issue as in Cleveland – two players that require control of the ball in McC and Garland.
Gotta love Rich Paul playing GM. Garland has a max extension already. Stfu dude.
When has a Max contract mattered when it comes to trade demands in the NBA over the past decade or so?
He literally was talking about maximizing his value, but garland already did.
Exactly
If it’s Nori, he needs to stick with the blitz. The drop is too easy for good players and foul baiters.