Donovan Mitchell opens up on Cleveland Cavaliers move - “I don’t think I’ve been happier since I’ve been in the league”

Cleveland Cavaliers star Donovan Mitchell has faced a number of challenges this season. However, the youngster finally seemed content. Expressing his thoughts in an interview with Stefan Bondy of NY Daily News, Mitchell shared his contentment with playing in Cleveland.

Donovan Mitchell established himself as a superstar in the league with the Utah Jazz. Playing alongside All-Star big man Rudy Gobert, the duo made for a deadly combo that made Utah an extremely potent team.

Unfortunately, the Jazz failed to enjoy much playoff success. With the losses also affecting the dynamic between Mitchell and Gobert, the franchise eventually blew things up in the 2022 off-season.

With Gobert being the first piece to move into trade talks, it was only a matter of time before Mitchell would be moved as well. With a move to the New York Knicks being almost certain, the guard was also reportedly excited to play for his hometown team.

But this didn't go exactly as planned.

As talks between Utah and New York continued, neither party was prepared to come to a settlement on a deal. After Utah's deadline/ultimatum passed in New York, the Jazz shook the league by trading Donovan Mitchell to the Cleveland Cavaliers.

The move naturally caught everyone involved by surprise. However, in the long process since, it may have been for the better after all. Given the way Mitchell has settled into Cleveland's system, the guard hasn't felt hindered in the slightest.

Mitchell has also expressed how happy he is playing in Cleveland. In a recent interview with NY Daily News' Stefan Bondy, he said:

"What’s done is done, and I’m happy as hell to be where I’m at. At the end of the day, this decision was made and I don’t think I’ve been happier since I’ve been in the league. But I think for me it’s always going to be motivation to come back and play well in my hometown, but you could say that about anybody.

"But with what happened this summer, it’s over with, it happened and I’m happy to be with the Cavaliers.”

Mitchell's contentment with being a Cavalier is a reflection of the organization's current situation. Paired with a star-caliber guard in Darius Garland, Mitchell finds himself placed on one of the most talented rosters in the league.

With the potential to compete for the title in due time, the Cavs will also hope to see the former Jazz guard become the best version of himself.

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Donovan Mitchell comes up short against the Knicks upon his homecoming

Donovan Mitchell in action against the New York Knicks

Donovan Mitchell finds himself in the middle of a lot of drama this season given his involvement with the New York Knicks. In this regard, games against the Knicks have become particularly important for the Cleveland Cavaliers guard.

While Mitchell has had an incredible season with the Cavs thus far, he hasn't enjoyed much success upon his homecoming in New York.

The Cavs faced off against the Knicks at Madison Square Garden on December 4. Given the implications of the game, Mitchell was set to be one of the main characters on the night.

Although the youngster notched a solid 23 points and five assists, he struggled from the floor. This struggle also held true for the rest of the Cavaliers team. Needless to say, the Knicks eventually overwhelmed the Cavs with a 92-81 victory.

Donovan Mitchell has already beaten the Knicks once this season. However, he is yet to beat them on their home turf. With the next matchup on January 24th, the guard may consider circling the date in his calendar.