Trae Young is preferred above the $163 million star by the Lakers.
According to Jovan Buha of The Athletic, the Los Angeles Lakers would prefer Donovan Mitchell over Trae Young if both studs become available this summer. “So, I’ve heard in recent weeks that Donovan has become the Lakers’ [preferred target] should they go down the three-star path, and it’s still unclear,” The Athletic’s Lakers writer stated on “Buha’s Block” on May 17. “I believe they will kick the can down the road and see what the asking price is. There are teams that can outbid them if they engage in a bidding war.
But if they do go down that road, or at least examine it, Donovan Mitchell would be the favorite candidate. Several months ago, Trey Young was a name we heard a lot about, and Dejounte Murray was a name they considered leading up to the [trade] deadline.” Mitchell, a five-time NBA All-Star, has one guaranteed year remaining on his five-year, $163 million contract with the Utah Jazz, which he signed before being moved to Cleveland. This summer, he will be eligible for a five-year deal worth $208 million.
On May 15, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst stated on “Get Up” that many teams, including the Lakers, had offers ready in case Mitchell does not extend his contract with Cleveland and the Cavaliers put him on the trade block. Donovan Mitchell: Potential Fit and Risks
Mitchell, a great scorer and playmaker, would relieve the pressure on LeBron James, who will turn 40 next season, and Anthony Davis. While Mitchell is not an All-Defensive Team member like Murray, the Cavaliers’ star is more prominent than Young, who is a defensive liability.
“The more I’ve thought about it, I think the risk with the three-star build is it’s a higher ceiling, lower floor, where the floor is like what we just saw with the Phoenix Suns, where you invest in three guys and you don’t nail the supporting cast,” Buha stated. Despite having Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, and Bradley Beal, the Suns were swept in the first round of the NBA playoffs. The Lakers finished one win ahead of them in the playoffs, with only James and Davis as stars.
Lakers’ Potential Package If the Cavaliers decide to sell Mitchell if the five-time NBA All-Star does not sign a contract extension this summer, the Lakers would be forced to add all of their available first-round picks. If D’Angelo Russell does not exercise his $18.7 million player option and leaves the Lakers this offseason, Austin Reaves, Jalen Hood-Schifino, and Rui Hachimura may be the matching salary recipients.
If the Lakers are able to complete a Mitchell trade, they will still have Jarred Vanderbilt, Christian Wood, Gabe Vincent, and maybe Max Christie if they match whatever offer he receives in restricted free agency. To complete their roster, the Lakers would need to sign at least three of the minimum roster players—a capable backup big man behind Davis, a 3-and-D wing, and a point guard. It is easier said than done.