It’s been months of wondering where Utah Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell will start the 2022-23 season, but all that speculation came to an end on Thursday.
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported that the All-Star was acquired by the Cleveland Cavaliers in a blockbuster, and somewhat surprising, trade that sent three players and three unprotected first-round picks to the Jazz.
As trade talks started to heat up throughout the summer, it appeared the New York Knicks were the frontrunners to acquire one of the NBA’s top scorers. Talks between the Jazz and the Knicks fell through, and Cavaliers general manager Mike Gansey took home the grand prize in the Donovan Mitchell sweepstakes.
Of course, Knicks fans were not too pleased.
After missing the playoffs in the four years following their NBA Finals loss, the rebuilt Cavaliers now look to be a powerhouse in the East as they add another All-Star to a roster that carries elite — and young — talent.
The excitement was palpable not only from Cavaliers fans but also from Mitchell’s new teammates in Cleveland.
Donovan Mitchell and his Cavaliers will face his former team for the first time on Dec. 19.
