NBA Trade Rumors: Blockbuster 5-Team Mock Trade Lands Donovan Mitchell on Thunder as 11 Players Switch Teams

Donovan Mitchell's name has emerged in the latest NBA trade rumors as some suitors are "shooting their shots" by inquiring about the All-Star. After winning a 64-win 2024-25 season, the Cleveland Cavaliers are 17-14 through 31 games this year, raising questions about their current core's ability to reach the promised land.

The Cavaliers remain unlikely to trade Mitchell. However, if a package suitable enough heads their way, anything can happen. That possibility is likelier if the Cavaliers' struggles continue, prolonging Mitchell's wait for a championship. There's a world where he could ask for a move if that's how it plays out close to the deadline.

Elsewhere, the OKC Thunder have dropped to four losses. There are serious concerns about MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's co-stars, Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren's, abilities to shoulder a larger burden than they are right now, despite last year's title win.

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Williams is averaging 18.1 points, 3.5 ppg fewer than last season, shooting at a career low 45.8% from the field and 34.3% from 3-point range. On the other hand, Holmgren is having a career year, averaging 18.2 ppg on 56.3% shooting and 39.4% from beyond the arc.

The pressure on Williams is higher as a perimeter player to create opportunities similar to Gilgeous-Alexander. Holmgren, having his most productive season, also takes some attention off his shortcomings.

That said, there are murmurs among the Thunder's fan base about Jalen Williams' ceiling. He's also owed $240.7 million over five years starting next season, so there are doubts about his potential to live up to that price tag.

Given Mitchell's situation and the Thunder facing fierce competition from their conference rivals after three losses in five games, it would make a ton of sense if a blockbuster trade sent the Cavaliers star to Oklahoma City.

The Thunder have the resources to pursue someone like Giannis Antetokounmpo, but from a plug-and-play perspective, Donovan Mitchell makes more sense. He would also be more affordable than the Milwaukee Bucks superstar and is a couple of years younger with a significantly lower salary.

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A trade of this magnitude is impossible without at least five teams. Donovan Mitchell is on a second-apron team while making $46.4 million. Jalen Williams is earning $6.9 million, but in a trade, the poison pill rule will set his incoming value on another team to next year's salary, which is $41.2 million.

A direct trade won't be possible as Williams' current salary will be the outgoing value ($6.9 million) for the defending champions. The Thunder will need to send out Isaiah Hartenstein and another player in the $6 million range to complete the deal.

After careful consideration, the Indiana Pacers, Brooklyn Nets and Utah Jazz emerged as three other teams that can benefit from this trade.

Here's a look at all the moving pieces in the five-team trade that ships Mitchell to the Thunder, with 10 other players switching teams:

Thunder receive:

• Donovan Mitchell (via Cavs)
• Jalen Wilson (via Nets)

Cavaliers receive:

• Jalen Williams (via OKC)
• Nikola Topic (via OKC)
• Tony Bradley (via Pacers)
• 2026 first-round pick (via Clippers from OKC)
• 2027 first-round pick (via Pacers)
• 2028 second-round pick (via OKC)
• 2029 second-round pick (via Heat, from OKC)

Pacers receive:

• Isaiah Hartenstein
• Kevin Love
• 2028 second-round pick (via Nets)
• 2030 second-round pick (via Nets)

Nets receive:

• Obi Toppin
• Bennedict Mathurin

Jazz receive:

• Ziaire Williams
• Larry Nance Jr.
• 2032 second-round pick (via Cavaliers)

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Why the Thunder do it?

The Thunder get a legitimate secondary perimeter scorer who can split the load with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Mitchell is averaging 30.6 ppg, 4.5 rpg and 5.4 apg on 50.0% field goal, 38.8% 3-point and 84.8% free throw shooting.

OKC has the defensive weapons to compensate for what it's losing after moving Jalen Williams, while gaining the kind of offensive firepower it lacks against well-matched opponents. A backcourt averaging a combined 63.1 ppg would rarely hurt a team as equipped as the Thunder in other areas.

The Thunder would have to sacrifice the 2026 first-round pick via the Clippers and re-route the Pacers' 2027 selection (for Hartenstein - see below), along with Nikola Topic, a 2024 lottery pick, apart from Williams.

Why the Cavaliers do it?

Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley are the most valuable assets the Cavaliers boast. Mitchell is 29 and playing at an MVP-caliber level. However, Cleveland may have to think long-term after seeing how this season has gone. They are out of assets to improve the team and above the second-apron.

It might be the best idea to tweak the team around Evan Mobley and Darius Garland. Jalen Williams would be a good start. He's already an All-NBA, All-Defensive, All-Star and NBA champion at 24. Williams' production doesn't stand out, but if he's the leading perimeter scoring option with some leeway, he can be a decisive player down the road.

A haul of two immediate intriguing firsts, with two second-round picks, is also hard to turn down.

Why the Pacers do it?

The Pacers are reportedly surveying the market for a starting center. They have yet to decide whether to pursue a floor spacer like Turner or a traditional center. Isaiah Hartenstein is somewhere in between. He can be a long-term fit as Tyrese Haliburton's pick-and-roll partner with championship experience and is only 27.

The Pacers part ways with two likely trade candidates in Obi Toppin and Bennedict Mathurin, who head to the Nets in this deal as the Thunder and Cavs face cap restrictions to take on their contracts. The center market is at its peak, and bigs like Hartenstein are hard to acquire, explaining the inclusion of their 2027 first in this trade.

Why the Nets do it?

The Nets have cap space to facilitate trades. However, in this scenario, they aren't involved just for the sake of it, as they are acquiring two players who can be part of their long-term plans. Obi Toppin is 27, while Bennedict Mathurin is 23, so they would be a value addition to Brooklyn's rebuilding team for the price of two second-round picks.

Why the Jazz do it?

The Jazz acquire a solid young piece in 24-year-old Ziaire Williams and swap Kevin Love for Larry Nance Jr, while netting a second-round pick. Williams can be a long-term contributor on their young roster, which they are essentially acquiring for being a facilitator.

Edited by Arhaan Raje