How Donovan Mitchell trade impacts Golden State Warriors

Sitting at the top of the food chain, how much should the Golden State Warriors worry about the Cleveland Cavalier’s acquisition of All-Star Donovan Mitchell?

The Cavs and Warriors are now the only two teams in the NBA with three 2022 All-Stars. Does this mean they are destined for another Finals clash?

The Golden State Warriors might have to deal with a new enemy now that the Cleveland Cavaliers have swung big for Donovan Mitchell.

Mitchell’s trade will have both pros and cons for the Warriors.

Benefits

Firstly, Mitchell’s trade is just the latest in a Utah firesale that has occurred this summer. Rudy Gobert was the first to go and someone like Jordan Clarkson could be next.

With Utah dealing so much talent to other teams, the Warriors can celebrate the absence of a former powerhouse. The Jazz were always one of the best regular season teams and now, they are off the table.

Scattering this talent across the league is something that could bite the Warriors, of course, with teams like Minnesota growing stronger due to the addition of Gobert.

Still, I don’t think these trades have put anyone over the top. Instead, it just creates more obstacles for everybody. Considering the Dubs are at the top of the food chain, this shouldn’t bother them too much.

Consequences

The likelihood of this trade truly impacting the Warriors is low. This is due to the fact that the Eastern Conference is set up to be a bloodbath with numerous teams battling for a bid to the NBA Finals.

Yet, if the Cavs emerge from the East as conference champs, the Dubs will have their hands full.

This is for a few reasons. Firstly, if Cleveland makes it through the gauntlet — that means they must be legit.

Whether it be the newly formed All-Star backcourt, a breakout season from Evan Mobley or vast improvements from players like Isaac Okoro — the Cavs pack a punch that can potentially rival anyone in the NBA.

So, let’s say the Cavs piece it all together and meet the Warriors in the NBA Finals — what should we expect?

I’d still give Golden State the nod. Not only do they have a significant edge in terms of experience but they are also perhaps the most equipped team in the league to contain a loaded backcourt.

Klay Thompson, Andrew Wiggins and Draymond Green are a nightmare trio for any offense. While losing Gary Payton II in the summer hurts their ability to defend the perimeter, their size and athleticism will allow them to hold their own.

An electric meeting between these two rivals would be fun but the Dubs likely remain the heavy favorites.