Former San Antonio Spurs point guard Avery Johnson believes that San Antonio should consider acquiring Donovan Mitchell if he becomes available next season.
Johnson suggests that Mitchell should choose the Spurs as his next NBA home, especially to play alongside rookie sensation Victor Wembanyama.
Avery Johnson believes Cavs' Donovan Mitchell should make San Antonio his next NBA homehttps://t.co/BU68DWwBiJ #porvida #nba #gospursgo #sanantonio
— JeffGSpursKENS5 (@JeffGSpursZone) February 26, 2024
Mitchell’s experience playing with Rudy Gobert in Utah makes him familiar with the prospect of teaming up with Wembanyama, and their partnership would provide a much-needed offensive threat. However, there are several factors to consider if the Spurs were to pursue a trade for Mitchell.
Questions such as the team’s willingness to add another ball-dominant player, the trade package the Cleveland Cavaliers would demand, and Mitchell’s desire to join a rebuilding team all arise. Furthermore, it is unclear whether acquiring Mitchell would end the Spurs’ rumored interest in Trae Young of the Atlanta Hawks.
Mitchell, a 27-year-old veteran guard, has impressive career averages and is under contract for the next two seasons. Johnson’s remarks demonstrate his continued support for the Spurs.
On a separate note, Mitchell has been a crucial player for the Cleveland Cavaliers, contributing to their success as they currently hold second place in the Eastern Conference.
Donovan Mitchell crosses over and BURIES the stepback three 🔥pic.twitter.com/X4BpWZOAyR
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 13, 2024
Despite his exceptional performances, Mitchell appears to be overlooked in the NBA MVP conversation, which mostly revolves around Nikola Jokic, Jayson Tatum, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Mitchell’s Cavaliers teammates recognize his abilities and believe he deserves recognition for his leadership and impact on the team’s success.
Despite his impressive statistics and contributions to the Cavaliers’ winning record, Mitchell finds himself excluded from the MVP conversation. Mitchell expressed confusion regarding this omission but remains confident in his own abilities and believes he deserves consideration among his peers.
Mitchell believes he deserves to be mentioned in the conversation for MVP. He prefers to let his game do the talking rather than vocalize his accomplishments.
This season, Mitchell is having one of his best performances, averaging 28.3 points, leading the team in assists, rebounds, and steals.
With Mitchell on the court, the Cavs have an impressive offensive and defensive rating. Coach Bickerstaff believes Mitchell’s exclusion from MVP talks is laughable, considering the team’s success and Mitchell’s exceptional performance.
Mitchell understands that he is not the frontrunner for MVP, as Jokic’s impact and the Nuggets’ championship potential make him the likely candidate. Still, Mitchell acknowledges that he desires to be in the conversation and aims to achieve the goal of MVP.
He also emphasizes the importance of playoff success in evaluating a player’s regular season accomplishments. Mitchell and the Cavs will need to make a strong playoff run to solidify his case for MVP.
While Mitchell’s success in the regular season is crucial, it is ultimately judged by his performance in the playoffs. If Mitchell wants to be a serious contender for MVP, he will need to excel in the postseason.
Considering the Cavs’ current performance, Mitchell has a chance to become a finalist for the award at the end of the NBA season.
Fans reacted as follows:
27 is still young. I can see this not costing as much as Young. But let’s see what happens, if anything.
— The Equalizer (@cleija3) February 26, 2024
Trade for Trae, go after Dolla in FA and draft Risacher, the rebuild is done. You're ready to win it all
— Bellini 🧣 (@ArturBellini) February 26, 2024
I don't get the Mitchell trade talk. Am I missing something? Has he expressed a desire to leave? Have the Cavs expressed a desire to trade him? The Cavs are a playoff team. Why would they do this?
— artmoreorless (@artmoreorless) February 26, 2024
Not a fan of this; he’s too much of a hero ball player and doesn’t make his teammates better around him
— ®² Raphidilla (@RafaelRamiro5) February 26, 2024
I'd totally be on board with a Donovan trade, I don't see him resigning with CLE after next year unless they make it really far in the playoffs
— MoL (@james_moli56524) February 26, 2024
Haha I’m sure Donovan doesn’t feel the same way.
— Matt duncan (@Mattyd_23) February 26, 2024
This absolutely needs to happen
— Marshall Best (@MarshallBest14) February 26, 2024
He will be too old by the time he’s a free agent.
— TJ (@tjaramil01) February 26, 2024
Mitch Johnson handled postgame media in place of Pop, who was not feeling well.
Here is Johnson on why Keldon Johnson did not play after being pulled 4 minutes into his 1Q stint:
“With repetitive mistakes, sometimes you need to change up the messaging. Pop’s the best at it.”
— Jeff McDonald (@JMcDonald_SAEN) February 26, 2024
