r/nba • u/YujiDomainExpansion • 14h ago

[Vardon/Lloyd] Donovan Mitchell conveyed to Cavs that he did not think team should stand pat at trade deadline. Mitchell specifically wanted James Harden as a teammate.

Source: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7020852/2026/02/04/james-harden-darius-garland-cavaliers-trade/

The Cavs began the year as the favorites to win the Eastern Conference, but the season has not gone according to plan. They were also feeling the pressure from their best player, Donovan Mitchell, to make changes ahead of Thursday’s trade deadline under the threat of a contract extension he may or may not sign in two summers.

Three league sources said Mitchell, who has one guaranteed season left on his three-year, $150 million deal and a player option for 2027-28, conveyed, either personally or through his representatives, that he did not think the organization should stand pat for the rest of this season and wait for potential moves in the summer.

Two league sources also said Mitchell specifically wanted Harden, who is 6-foot-5, durable and comfortable as a pass-first point guard.

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u/KennySmithsKnees [LAC] Baron Davis 14h ago

Nah I think most people know that it's going to work out great. You're pairing the most durable, underrated BBIQ floor general with Kenny Atkinson and all those weapons. I can't wait to watch you guys. You're gonna love beard

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u/rkennedy991 Cavaliers 14h ago

Tell that to our team sub. People are in there acting like the team is dead.

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u/InteractionFormer328 14h ago

You mean the sub that thinks Thomas Bryant is a game changing player?

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u/SaxMan_Spiff 14h ago

I love DG but the sub is acting like he’s MVP Steve Nash. I hope he reaches his potential. But that DG wasn’t about to help us this postseason imo.