The Houston Rockets are on the rise. This team is not a serious title contender in the 2023-24 NBA season. Still, they’ve improved significantly.

The Rockets have been a laughingstock for the last three seasons. This year, they’re serious. Most of their young players are improving. Alperen Sengun has looked like a star at times throughout the season.

Jabari Smith Jr. is rounding into form, and Tari Eason looks like a draft-day steal. Almost every young player on this team is giving the Rockets’ fanbase reason to be optimistic. 

Almost. It’s been a difficult year for Jalen Green. The Rockets don’t have to move him – they can afford to exercise patience. On the other hand, they could look to replace him with a big, win-now splash.

What if they made a move for Donovan Mitchell of the Cleveland Cavaliers? 

NBA Trade Proposal: Houston Rockets Land Cleveland Cavaliers’ Donovan Mitchell

Cleveland Cavaliers Receive: G Jalen Green, G/F Victor Oladipo, C Jock Landale, F Jae’Sean Tate, G/F Cam Whitmore, 2024 First-Round Pick (BKN via HOU), 2026 First-Round Pick (BKN via HOU), 2028 First-Round Pick (HOU) 

Houston Rockets Receive: G Donovan Mitchell

There would be some irony in Green landing in Cleveland. Leading up to the 2021 NBA draft, that’s where he was widely expected to land. Plenty of analysts had Evan Mobley second overall on their big board.

The Rockets felt differently. They selected Green at that spot. From that moment onward, expectations have been high for Green in Houston. This is the guy who was taken over Mobley. Green had to deliver. 

NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers, Houston Rockets Updates

So far, he’s regressed in 2023-24. The Rockets are winning games despite their supposedly foundational piece, not because of him. Still, Green’s tantalizing upside remains.

Should the Rockets part with him? 

Why The Houston Rockets Do The Deal 

We’re not sure. We will say this – Green is not on a trajectory where we should expect him to reach Mitchell’s level. That’s not to say he can’t get there – we’re simply saying it’s unlikely. Green is in his third season and is still not a contributor. 

By contrast, Mitchell is one of the best scorers in the NBA. His fit alongside Sengun ought to be perfect. The Rockets have a winning record as a result of their stout defense. If they put this pair together, they could become a two-way team.

This isn’t a no-brainer. Mitchell would be joining Fred VanVleet in one of the league’s smallest backcourts – although if Amen Thompson reaches his potential, that will solve itself.

NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers, Houston Rockets Updates

Some will say that the Rockets are too far from contention to make this move. That’s fair, but they’d have to consider it if they want to continue climbing the standings.

Should the Cavaliers? 

Why The Cleveland Cavaliers Do The Deal 

It’s been rumored that Mitchell would prefer to play in a bigger market. The Cavaliers need to lean on their internal information here. If they know that Mitchell is a flight risk, moving him now makes some sense.

The Cavaliers could justify rebuilding as well. Mobley is set to miss some time this year, and so is Darius Garland. This just might not be Cleveland’s year – it might be wise to hit the reset button. 

NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers, Houston Rockets Updates

If they agree, this is a perfect deal for them. Green is struggling, but he still has star potential – and so does Cam Whitmore. Throw in three first-round picks, and the Cavs could be tempted by this deal – even if it puts their ascension on hold.

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