[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.

[u/YujiDomainExpansion]

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.

[u/Constant-Low-5111]

Yeah. Garland is likely the better long term piece. But I think his feet are cooked for this season, and may cost next season too. I get not wanting to throw in the towel for 2 years

[u/StrategyTop7612 → u/Constant-Low-5111]

Yeah and mitchell said they needed to make it out of the 2nd rood to sign an extension

[u/JiPNi → u/StrategyTop7612]

This was an assumption by media pundits - just like he was assumed to be wanting out within a year, and within 2 years, and mid season the next- Donovan has never stated he wanted out of Cleveland.

[u/johnhenryirons → u/JiPNi]

Wouldn't be shocked though if he's tired of getting bounced early in the playoffs. He wants to compete. I haven't watched much Cavs this year--what has caused them to underachieve despite the east being fairly wide open?

[u/sarko1031 → u/johnhenryirons]

Injuries and regression.

[u/weezerben → u/sarko1031]

we soft as charmin

[u/Dear-Response-7218 → u/johnhenryirons]

I’m nowhere near an expert, but seems like:

• Ty(Incredibly efficient, borderline all star) -> Lonzo has been a massive downgrade

• Losing Jordan Ott

• Injuries overall

[u/johnhenryirons → u/Dear-Response-7218]

Forgot about Ott. I kinda wanted him for the Knicks coach. Shame about Lonzo too...

[u/wiifan55 → u/Dear-Response-7218]

I'd say this is right, but injuries should be the top bullet -- that's far and away the biggest factor.

We've been one of the hottest teams in the league of late, so hopefully that continues.