NBA Notes: Cavs, Donovan Mitchell, Celtics, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Suns

Cavaliers

Donovan Mitchell is still feeling the sting of how the Cavaliers’ season ended.

In his latest Andscape diary via Marc J. Spears, Mitchell admitted Cleveland’s four-game sweep at the hands of the Knicks remains difficult to process.

“It was a very painful ending,” Mitchell said. “To go out like that, you try to put on a smile and try to move past it. It’ll take a little bit.”

Mitchell said the disappointment wasn’t simply about losing. It was the way it happened.

“We had an opportunity, right? It was right there,” he said. “When you have an opportunity, man, and you watch it go past, that’s killer.”

The six-time All-Star was especially frustrated by Cleveland’s lopsided loss in the series finale.

“It don’t matter all the success we’ve had,” Mitchell said. “Yeah, it’s great. But when you lose like that, it’s tough.”

We have much more out of Cleveland on our Cavs page right here.

Celtics

Despite continued speculation linking Boston to Giannis Antetokounmpo, there have been no direct trade talks between the Celtics and Bucks, according to Steve Bulpett of Heavy.com.

Bulpett noted the situation remains fluid and suggested that if Antetokounmpo is eventually moved, a multi-team trade could be the most likely outcome.

Meanwhile, The Athletic’s Jay King suggested Mitchell Robinson and former Celtic Robert Williams as potential frontcourt targets for Boston this offseason.

Suns

Dillon Brooks may not be the Suns’ biggest name, but he appears to be one of their priorities.

According to Gerald Bourguet of Sports360AZ, Phoenix is expected to explore a long-term extension with Brooks, who is eligible for a new deal this summer.

Brooks brought toughness, leadership and defensive intensity during his first season with the Suns, and one team source summed up his value this way: “Leadership and toughness doesn’t age.”

The question now is how much Phoenix is willing to pay for those qualities.