CLEVELAND — Earlier this week, Ian Begley of SportsNet New York revealed that the Cleveland Cavaliers had "touched base" with the Utah Jazz regarding a potential trade for All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell.
But as it turns out, the Cavs and Jazz won't be consummating a blockbuster trade.
Taking to Twitter on Friday, Begley revealed that Cleveland has removed itself from trade discussions regarding Mitchell. As a result, the New York Knicks have come into focus as the primary suitor for the 3-time All-Star.
While it was previously unknown how serious the Cavs' discussions with the Jazz got, the idea of Cleveland acquiring Mitchell was certainly an intriguing one. In pairing the Louisville product with All-Star point guard Darius Garland, the Cavs would be pairing one of the best young backcourts in the NBA with a frontcourt that includes unanimous All-NBA Rookie first-team selection Evan Mobley.
While it's unclear what acquiring Mitchell would have cost Cleveland, one could presume that the deal would have included plenty of future first-round draft picks, as well as restricted free agent Collin Sexton, who could have been dealt in a sign-and-trade. The Jazz could have conceivably also sought a player from the Cavs core such as Jarrett Allen, although it's unknown whether Cleveland would have been willing to deal the All-Star center.
Barring trade talks being revived or another target arising, the Cavs' attention now returns to Sexton, who remains unsigned as a restricted free agent. At this point, Cleveland can either sign the Alabama product to an extension or match any offer sheet he signs with another team. Sexton -- who missed all but 11 games last season due to a knee injury -- could also choose to sign a one-year, $7.2 million qualifying offer before becoming an unrestricted free agent next offseason.