The Houston Rockets have been urged to trade for Donovan Mitchell this offseason if he doesn't sign an extension with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
According to The Athletic's Fred Katz, the Cleveland Cavaliers are prepared to explore trade scenarios for Donovan Mitchell this offseason should the All-Star guard decline a contract extension.
Under his current contract, Mitchell can hit free agency in 2027.
If the Cavaliers fail in the 2026 playoffs and Mitchell doesn't sign an extension, the Houston Rockets have been urged to trade for the shooting guard.
"All teams in need of more perimeter punch will keep a close watch on these proceedings. The Rockets just happen to have the kind of trade chips needed to get a megadeal done—and they might need a net-shredder more than anyone," Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report wrote. "They've made a mess of the offensive end this postseason, just like they did during their abbreviated 2025 playoff run.
"Houston needs more consistent scoring, something-out-of-nothing creating and defense-bending shotmaking—basically everything Mitchell brings at his best. If the Rockets could pair him with Kevin Durant, they might make everyone forget just how rough their half-court offense has appeared on basketball's big stage."
The Cavaliers acquired Mitchell from the Utah Jazz in 2022. They haven't advanced past the second round of the playoffs with the Louisville product leading the way. Mitchell is under major, major pressure to go on a deep playoff run this year.
Cleveland made a blockbuster trade in February to help Mitchell, acquiring future Hall of Famer and 2018 MVP James Harden from the Los Angeles Clippers. Harden went to the NBA Finals in 2012 with the Oklahoma City Thunder. He also reached the conference finals twice with the Houston Rockets, losing to the Golden State Warriors on both occasions.
Mitchell and Harden have a strong supporting cast, headlined by Evan Mobley, Jarrett Allen and Max Strus. The Cavaliers are up 3-2 on the Toronto Raptors in the first round of this year's playoffs.
It will be fascinating to see how far the Cavaliers go in the 2026 playoffs and if Mitchell signs an extension with the Wine and Gold this offseason. Mitchell averaged 27.9 points per game this season. He was seventh in the NBA in points per game and sixth in total points (1,952).
Mitchell on the Rockets would certainly be fun to watch, as Houston would have a "Big 2" of Durant and Mitchell. However, Mitchell has made it clear in interviews that he wants to spend the rest of his NBA career with the Cavaliers.
Only time will tell if that comes to fruition.
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