Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell shares heartwarming reunion with young, longtime Jazz fan on return

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell shared a clip of his heartwarming reunion with a young longtime Utah Jazz fan on Tuesday night. 

Mitchell, who played for the Jazz for five years, returned to Salt Lake City Tuesday as the Cavaliers suffered defeat to Utah. 

Although it wasn’t the triumphant homecoming he would have been hoping for, Mitchell was given a heroes’ welcome from fans at his former club, including a particularly special one. 

Mitchell, who has been on a tear in Cleveland recently, was greeted by a young, loyal fan, Josh, who was eager to welcome back his favorite player. 

Taking to Twitter, Spida shared a video of Josh waiting for his arrival at the Vivint Arena, revealing the youngster had done so throughout Mitchell’s five years with the Jazz. 

He posted: ‘My guy Josh has been waiting for me at the arena every game for 5 years!! My first time seeing him since I got traded… it’s moments like these that last forever! Missed you Josh!!’ 

Spida revealed the youngster had waited for him outside the arena during his five years in Utah

After embracing the star, it took a while for Josh to let go and once he did he could be seen wiping his eyes. 

Formerly a centerpiece of the Jazz franchise, Mitchell was traded to the Cavs in the offseason and had not played in his former home arena until Tuesday night.

He was also duly honored for his five years of service in Utah with a touching tribute video and standing ovation from fans before the game. 

Before the Cavs stating lineup was announced fans showed their love for the franchise’s former star, with thousands clapping and some even choosing to bow. 

The Utah Jazz gave Donovan Mitchell a hero’s welcome on his return to Salt Lake City

Though the Jazz team would not yield in the face of Mitchell as they snapped a two-game losing streak by overcoming the East’s No. 4 seed, 116-114.

‘Spida’ spent 2017-2021 with the Jazz after Denver took him with the 13th overall pick in the 2017 Draft before being immediately traded.

In the tribute video, Utah showed Adam Silver announcing the pick which brought Mitchell from Louisville to Salt Lake City, before flashing to highlights throughout his glittering time in a Jazz uniform. 

Mitchell unsurprisingly balled out in his return, dropping 46 points, grabbing six rebounds and adding five assists.

But it wasn’t enough to lead the Cavaliers to a win as the Jazz rallied late behind Jordan Clarkson to beat Cleveland 116-114. 

Mitchell’s 46 points weren’t enough to lead the Cavaliers to a win over the Jazz Tuesday