NBA rumors: Rockets ‘have been monitoring’ Donovan Mitchell

The Donovan Mitchell rumors will only heat up as the offseason progresses. There haven’t been any reports that the Cleveland Cavaliers have put him on the market. However, teams are still keeping an eye on that situation in case they do.

While Mitchell has been linked to teams like the Los Angeles Lakers and Miami Heat, the Houston Rockets have suddenly emerged as a Mitchell suitor, per The Athletic’s Kelly Iko. Iko explained how the Rockets’ fortunate draft situation has tied them to Mitchell.

“Another possibility, if the Rockets were to move the No. 3 pick, is packaging it with additional assets for a star. Houston is flush with young talent and draft capital that could appeal to teams with elite talent in flux. One player who fits is Cleveland’s Donovan Mitchell. The Rockets are among those interested in the 27-year-old and have been monitoring his situation for months, league sources say.”

Cavaliers ‘Optimistic’ Donovan Mitchell Will Re-SignDespite the growing buzz that Mitchell may want out, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst told ESPN Cleveland that “the Cavs remain optimistic that Donovan is signing. They believe he’s gonna [stay], and I think a lot of their offseason planning is with the strong belief that they’re keeping him,” Windhorst said.

“The Cavs remain optimistic that Donovan is signing. They believe he’s gonna and I think a lot of their offseason planning is with the strong belief that they’re keeping him,” – @WindhorstESPN on Donovan Mitchell. pic.twitter.com/cbVjsd9BSZ

— ESPN Cleveland (@ESPNCleveland) May 21, 2024Until there’s any confirmation that Mitchell wants out, every indication is that Mitchell plans to stay long-term.

However, just because Mitchell wants to stick around does not mean the Cavaliers’ roster will stay intact. This team could look very different next season.

Donovan Mitchell Extension Could Lead to Darius Garland Trade RequestWhile Mitchell may be in for the long haul with the Cavaliers, his extension could lead to Darius Garland’s exit from Cleveland.

After the Cavaliers were eliminated by the Boston Celtics, The Athletic’s Shams Charania reported that a Mitchell extension could lead to Garland requesting a trade.

“Rival executives believe the Cavs will have to seriously evaluate the fit of Mitchell and Garland and ultimately may have to choose one or the other. Should Mitchell decide to stay long term, sources briefed on the matter say Garland’s representation, Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul, would have a conversation with Cavs officials on potentially finding a new home for the one-time All-Star.”

The Cavaliers have improved since pairing the two but have not made the progress they would have liked. If Mitchell is off the table, the Rockets could potentially look into Garland instead.

Author(s)

Matt John is an NBA journalist covering the NBA for The Sporting News. He focuses on the Boston Celtics, Los Angeles Lakers, New York Knicks, Denver Nuggets, Milwaukee Bucks and Dallas Mavericks.