The Cleveland Cavaliers added a superstar to their roster Thursday, acquiring Donovan Mitchell in a trade with the Utah Jazz, as reported by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
Mitchell is the only player Cleveland received in the deal, while the Jazz acquired Lauri Markkanen, Ochai Agbaji, Collin Sexton, three unprotected first-round picks (2025, 2027 and 2029) and two pick swaps (2026 and 2028). Sexton will sign a four-year, $72 million contract with the Jazz via sign-and-trade, Rich Paul of Klutch Sports told ESPN.
The move continues a summer exodus from the Jazz organization. In June, former head coach Quin Snyder resigned from his position, and Utah traded Royce O’Neal to the Brooklyn Nets for a 2023 first-round pick. In August, the Jazz traded star center Rudy Gobert to the Minnesota Timberwolves for Malik Beasley, Patrick Beverley, Jarred Vanderbilt, Leandro Bolmaro, No. 22 pick Walker Kessler and four first-round picks.
When news of the Mitchell trade broke, Cavaliers players Kevin Love, Dean Wade and Darius Garland took to social media to welcome their new teammate. Mitchell responded to Garland, expressing his excitement about sharing the floor with the Cavs point guard.
— Donovan Mitchell (@spidadmitchell) September 1, 2022
???
— Kevin Love (@kevinlove) September 1, 2022
? ???
— Dean Wade (@deanwade3232) September 1, 2022
Players across the NBA world also offered their thoughts on the Mitchell trade.
Cleveland gonna be nice! With a good ass coaching staff
— Isaiah Thomas (@isaiahthomas) September 1, 2022
WHAT?!
— Eric Paschall (@epaschall) September 1, 2022
Oh wowwwww
— Mikal Bridges (@mikal_bridges) September 1, 2022
Wow
— Rudy Gay (@RudyGay) September 1, 2022
Sheesh
— Tyrese Haliburton (@TyHaliburton22) September 1, 2022
Huh? Where tf that come from?
— Josh Hart (@joshhart) September 1, 2022