The Cleveland Cavaliers enthusiastically welcomed new player Donovan Mitchell after he officially announced his inclusion from the Utah Jazz on Saturday in a trade deal that gave the latter three players and three options in a “draft” meant for hiring college and high school players. and foreigners to the NBA Basketball League.

The deal, previously announced by ESBN and The Athletic, comes two months after the Jazz decided to drop their French host Rudy Hubert in favor of the Minnesota Timberwolves.

As a result of this deal, Jazz from the Cavaliers will receive the services of Colin Sexton, Finn Lauri Markkanen and Uchai Agbaji, in addition to this year’s first draft pick and more in the future.

“The acquisition of Donovan Mitchell gave us a fantastic opportunity for the Cavaliers to acquire one of the NBA’s most dynamic stars,” said Kobi Altman, director of basketball for the Cavaliers.

The 25-year-old Mitchell’s departure from the Jazz comes after five years with the team that drafted him in the first round of the 2017 draft as the 13th pick.

Last season, Mitchell averaged 25.9 points per game on 5.3 assists.

In the five seasons he spent with the Jazz, the team did not miss the playoffs, but it did not go beyond the second round in the Western Region.

In November 2020, Mitchell signed a new five-year, $163 million contract with the Jazz.

Altman continued: “Donovan, who has proven himself to be a special talent despite being only 25 years old, brings a competitive spirit that fits seamlessly into this team’s core group. We’re excited to see the impact someone of Donovan’s stature can have on the Cavaliers for his ability to score, as well as his ability to score.

Mitchell joins a team that includes Darius Garland and 2022 All-Star Game center Garrett Allen and Evan Mobley.

The Cavaliers have not made the playoffs since LeBron James left for the Los Angeles Lakers in 2018 after leading the team to the Finals four times in a row, including winning the title in 2016.

He thanked Jazz Mitchell for the five seasons he spent with him, tweeting, “We had the opportunity to see you rock the league as a rookie (+Rocky+) and cheered you on as you became a regular All Star.” . ‘ match”, adding, “We’ve watched you embrace and serve our community while you stand by what’s right, unite jazz lovers all over the world.”

“Thank you for all the good you’ve done here… there will always be Donovan Mitchell fans in Utah.