Donovan Mitchell Trade Rumors: 76ers Linked to Cavaliers Star Amid Lakers Buzz

The Philadelphia 76ers are expected to be among the "interested suitors" in Donovan Mitchell if he doesn't receive a contract extension from the Cleveland Cavaliers, according to Yahoo Sports' Jake Fischer.

Fischer noted that Cleveland firing head coach J.B. Bickerstaff on Thursday was seen as an "inevitable move in the team's efforts toward keeping Mitchell long term."

The 76ers are far from the only organization interested in pursuing Mitchell, as Jason Lloyd of The Athletic reported on May 14 that the Los Angeles Lakers would be "one of the teams standing at the front of the line" if a trade is explored.

However, it may be difficult to pry the 27-year-old away from Cleveland. The Cavaliers' front office has reportedly "expressed confidence" that Mitchell will extend with the team (via Fischer). He'll be eligible to receive a four-year extension worth $208 million beginning on July 6.

The five-time All-Star has thrived in Cleveland since he was acquired in a Sep. 2022 trade with the Utah Jazz, averaging 27.5 points and 5.2 assists per game on 47.5/37.8/86.6 shooting splits as a member of the Cavaliers.

As for the 76ers, they're searching for a third star to pair alongside Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey following a first-round exit in the 2024 NBA playoffs. On May 4, Sam Amick and Law Murray of The Athletic reported that the 76ers could pursue Los Angeles Clippers star Paul George in free agency if he declines his $48.78 million player option for the 2024-25 season.

However, Shams Charania of The Athletic said that people around the NBA have "belief" that George wants to remain with the Clippers during a Tuesday appearance on Up & Adams (50:45 mark).

If George chooses to stay with Los Angeles, 76ers president of basketball operations Daryl Morey could pivot towards a pursuit of Mitchell instead.

If the star shooting guard ultimately chooses to pass on an extension with Cleveland, there should be several potential suitors interested in opening up trade talks.