The Houston Rockets’ ambitions to acquire All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell from the Cleveland Cavaliers appear to be dwindling. Despite speculation and the Rockets’ substantial assets, the Cavaliers are increasingly confident in signing Mitchell to a long-term deal, making a trade less likely.
Reports from The Athletic suggest that the Cavaliers have a “growing sentiment” that they can secure Mitchell with a long-term contract this offseason. This development follows ESPN’s mention of the Rockets as one of four potential suitors for Mitchell if he were to become available.
Houston, under head coach Ime Udoka, who reportedly favors Mitchell, possesses an enticing trade package. The Rockets boast a wealth of young talent and draft capital, including the No. 3 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. Their assets could have positioned them favorably compared to other interested teams like the Miami Heat, Los Angeles Lakers, and Brooklyn Nets.
Mitchell, who has established himself as a premier scorer since entering the NBA with the Utah Jazz in 2017, averaged 31.7 points per game in three of the five games during Cleveland’s recent playoff series against the Boston Celtics. However, his value and fit with the Cavaliers’ core have made Cleveland keen on retaining him.

For the Rockets, the scenario of landing Mitchell involves significant risks and potential complications. Trading for Mitchell would likely require parting with key young players and valuable picks, which might not be the most prudent move given the current state of their roster. The team already has promising young talent like Alperen Sengun, Jabari Smith Jr., and Tari Eason, who have shown considerable improvement this season.
Moreover, the Rockets’ recent strategy of adding veterans like Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks has already started to yield positive results, suggesting that continuing to develop their existing roster might be a better path forward than making a blockbuster trade.
While Mitchell is undoubtedly a star, the Rockets’ current trajectory and the Cavaliers’ intention to keep him suggest that Houston might be better off focusing on internal growth and strategic acquisitions rather than pursuing this high-stakes trade.