LeBron James reacts after Donovan Mitchell was traded to the Cavaliers: 'SO TOUGH!!!!!'
Despite years of speculation that he was headed to the Knicks, the Jazz unexpectedly traded Donovan Mitchell to the Cavaliers.
The Cavs now have a wildly talented starting lineup built around a young core of four young players. Mitchell joins Darius Garland, Jarrett Allen, and Evan Mobley on a team that could contend for an NBA title as soon as next season.
It was an impressively quick turnaround to rebuild their roster in the post-LeBron era. But speaking of LeBron: Shortly after he saw the news, the four-time NBA Finals MVP shared his thoughts about his former team on Twitter:
During the 2022 NBA All-Star Weekend in Cleveland, LeBron said the door was “not closed” on a potential return to the Cavs before his career is over.
Garland, however, poured water on the possible pairing (via The Athletic):
“Our guys want to make our own legacy. It’s a new look, a new feel. It’s a rebirth in Cleveland. It would mean a lot to all of us.”
LeBron has said that his last year in the NBA will be played with his son, Bronny James. In the scenario that Bronny is a one-and-done player and turns pro after his freshman season in college, he would be eligible for the 2024 NBA Draft.
Although the Cavs traded many of their first-round picks to the Jazz, the Cavs held on to their first-round pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. They could potentially use that pick to select Bronny.
If that happens, it would coincide with the same year when LeBron is able to opt out of his contract extension with the Lakers and become a free agent.