Wizards Coming short in Donovan Mitchell sweepstakes; So the band stays together. Is that a good thing?
After an offseason of relentless reports, Utah Jazz monitor Donovan Mitchell was at last exchanged yesterday. Although his expected destination was the New York Knicks, Mitchell joined the Cleveland Cavaliers in exchange for Colin Sexton, Lauri Markkanen, Ochai Agbaji, three unprotected first-round picks, and two pick swaps.
According to Wizards insider Quinton Mayo, Washington has made an offer to Utah general manager Danny Ainge, the details of which are currently unknown.
With Bradley Beal’s huge new contract and the acquisitions of Monte Morris and Will Burton this summer, it’s clear the Wizards are aiming to compete now, and taking a big swing at Mitchell would be a huge step toward competition. While the defensive backcourt of Bell and Mitchell will certainly leave a lot to be desired, the combined offensive threat of the two guards will more than makeup for their defensive deficiencies.
The way things are, the Wizards program comprises of Beal, a physical issue inclined Kristaps Porzingis, Corey Kispert, tenderfoot Johnny Davis and an assortment of job players. Adding a star-level talent in Mitchell in exchange for a collection of assets and role players would greatly aid Washington’s quest for relevance.
That’s not what the Cavaliers’ offer costs the Wizards out of the Mitchell sweepstakes. Washington could have matched Cleveland’s draft pick while offering a better selection of players. Remember — Sexton, the most valuable player the Jazz have ever acquired, was struggling all offseason to get a reasonable contract offer from any team.
The Wizards could send Jaz Kispart, who has upside as a 3-and-D player; Davis, a rookie picked more than the rookie the Jazz received in trade; An assortment of deep rosters of their role players and a similar number of first-round picks.
The Cavaliers completed the trade and the Wizards can’t say much about a risk-averse lack of aggression on the Wizards’ part.
Code: KACI73
