The Dagger: The Cavs did what?

What in the world just happened with Donovan Mitchell? 

There had been trade talks between the Utah Jazz and the New York Knicks to send Mitchell home for months. Then, the Cleveland Cavaliers – seemingly out of nowhere – came in and swapped Mitchell for Collin Sexton, Lauri Markkanen, Ochai Agabaji,  three unprotected first-round picks (2025, 2027 and 2029) and two pick swaps (2026 and 2028). 

Wooowww! 

Although it would’ve been nice to see Mitchell in New York, I must say…I love this trade. LOVE IT. 

I was already high on the Cavs and their upside but this makes them a legit playoff team in the East. Adding Mitchell makes them at least a second-round exit type of team. 

Mitchell joins Darius Garland – who broke out last year – and hot shot big men Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen. Mobley’s brother, Isaiah, rejoins him this year as a rookie. Kevin Love is still slinking around and so are Caris LeVert (love that dude) and the big minutes player Cedi Osman. Also, the great orchestrator Rajon Rondo is back.

My Lord. Maybe I’ve underestimated this team by calling them a second-round exit squad. They may even make the Eastern Conference finals. 

Looking at the East, they can compete against anyone. The only teams that can legitimately give them problems are Milwaukee, Boston and Miami. Still, I can’t say those teams are head and shoulders above THIS team, though. 

LeBron, you seein’ this? 

I know Bron just signed a two-year, $97.1 million contract with the Lakers – making him the highest-paid player in history – but he had to make a full turn to look back at the Cavs after this deal. 

I’m not sure what will push the Cavs into championship contention but dammit they are close. Maybe it’s just experienced players – which they have. 

Or star player? WAIT. They have that too… 

Hmmm. How confounding. 

Judging by the not-so-superstar-heavy East, I can’t say definitively that the Cavs as presently constructed won’t make it to the Finals. 

All the big, series-changing stars are out West. Of the aforementioned teams that could best the Cavs, Miami doesn’t have enough talent, Milwaukee has one superstar who is still one (and a half) dimensional (but he has improved) and Boston doesn’t have the veteran leadership of the Cavs. I also like the Cavs’ depth better than Boston’s. 

Add James to all this – just dreamin’ here – the Cavs would win next year. But since James is out of the question – this roster will do. 

And man do they look good.