The Golden State Warriors’ season has only been over a few days, but already, the team has been one of the most-discussed and rumor-friendly bunches in the NBA. They are the perfect storm: a team seeking to remain competitive, willing to trade away draft picks, and capable of absorbing a big salary. Because of that, expect the Dubs to be mentioned frequently in trade rumors for just about every big name on the market.
We’ve seen that Golden State has been heavily connected—by speculation, at least—to LeBron James. We know they’ve gone after a trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo before. We know, too, that they’d be among the first in line for a trade involving Kawhi Leonard. It’s all going to be on the board for the Warriors this summer as the team tries to revamp for one more Stephen Curry run.
But there is a name that is just making an entrance onto the Warriors trade-rumor bingo card. That would be Cavaliers star Donovan Mitchell .
The Case for Mitchell
The Warriors “should be chasing” a Mitchell trade, according to Bleacher Report’s Dan Favale . Going on 30 in September, Mitchell is young enough (or close to it) for the Warriors to peddle him as their ticket to immediate contention and a bridge into the future. They should be crossing their fingers for the Cleveland Cavaliers to flame out of the playoffs again and open themselves up to an offseason roster-razing .
“What about the defense?” will be a common refrain when looking at a prospective Steph-Spida backcourt. That is fair. And also immaterial. The offense will be dynamite .
The Cavaliers’ Playoff Pressure
The Cavaliers are currently in a similar position to the Bucks with Giannis Antetokounmpo. Mitchell becomes eligible for an extension this offseason but could reach unrestricted free agency as soon as 2027 if he declines a new deal and his player option .
Cleveland dramatically reshaped its roster ahead of the trade deadline to build a contender around Mitchell, executing the Darius Garland-for-James Harden swap with Mitchell’s approval . However, if the Cavaliers flame out of the playoffs early, the whispers about Mitchell’s future could become a roar .
The Financial Hurdle: Jimmy Butler’s Contract
There is a persistent issue lingering over all the big names being connected to the Warriors lately: There’s no way they can acquire any of these guys, financially, without trading away Jimmy Butler . The math just won’t work .
Butler is signed through next season at a $56.8 million salary . He is recovering from a torn ACL, and the Warriors are still sensitive about the optics of dealing away a well-liked player as he is rehabbing . General manager Mike Dunleavy previously stated he didn’t “envision” trading Butler . However, the front office’s stance could shift if the right superstar becomes available.
“The guy has been a very good team player for them. He has been good on the court, really good off the court. So to trade him while he is rehabbing from an ACL? Obviously, that is a little bit ugly. No one wants to do that to a player,” one NBA executive told Heavy .
The Steve Kerr Factor
Warriors fans who grumble about Kerr don’t understand that he is well-liked among players around the NBA. However, if the Warriors lose Steve Kerr as the head coach, the team will suddenly be a lot less attractive as a destination . Reports indicate Kerr is not expected to return barring a significant change of heart . Would Mitchell want to sign on long-term to play for whatever coach the Warriors get to replace Kerr? That is not certain .
Would Mitchell Want to Come?
Mitchell has repeatedly expressed his love for Cleveland. “I love being here, I love being a part of this organization and city,” he said earlier this season . However, the NBA is a business, and the chance to play alongside Stephen Curry in the Bay Area could be enticing. Mitchell would give the Warriors a legitimate secondary creator and scorer who can take the pressure off the 38-year-old Curry .
The Verdict: A Long Shot, But One Worth Watching
Mitchell is averaging 28.3 points per game this season and is widely regarded as one of the best scoring guards in the league . The Warriors need to add talent around Curry, and Mitchell is the kind of star who could keep the Warriors competitive now and serve as a bridge to the post-Curry era.
But the Cavaliers are not going to give him away. The price would be high, likely requiring multiple first-round picks and young players . The Warriors would also need some guarantee of Mitchell re-signing rather than simply fleeing after one season .
It is a long shot. But in the star-driven NBA, the Warriors have never been afraid of bold moves. And adding Donovan Mitchell would be as bold as it gets.