Even before the NBA offseason, there always is a lot of speculation, and tough decisions in regards of contract extensions. For the Cleveland Cavaliers, one of the most critical choices revolves around their star player, Donovan Mitchell. The 27-year-old guard has been a beacon of hope for the Cavs, but his contract situation is far from straightforward.
Mitchell is eligible for a four-year, $200 million contract extension with the Cavs, and with one year remaining (plus his player option) after this season, he faces a pivotal crossroads, him with two paths:
Either Mitchell signs the extension, or he’ll test free agency in 2025 – which likely would not happen, as it most certainly would result in the Cavs trading him.
Cavs owner Dan Gilbert exudes confidence. He believes Mitchell will extend, citing the player’s love for the city and the team’s young core.
Per the AP:
“We’ve been talking to him, sure, for the last couple of years about extending this contract,” Gilbert said. “We think he will extend. I think if you listen to him talk, he loves the city.
“He loves the situation in Cleveland because our players are very young and we’re just kind of putting the core together that he’s clearly the biggest part of.”
However Donovan Mitchell’s recent comments suggest a more cautious approach.
“I got a lot of things to focus on outside of that right now… So, I’ll handle that when it comes… I’m gonna give you the same answer.”
Donovan Mitchell remained non-committal on signing an extension with the Cavs after Dan Gilbert’s comments:
“I got a lot of things to focus on outside of that right now… So, I’ll handle that when it comes… I’m gonna give you the same answer.”
(Video via @CavsInsider_FN) pic.twitter.com/pDbU5PpzAJ
— Erik Slater (@erikslater_) March 30, 2024
As the Cavs battle for playoff positioning, Mitchell’s focus remains on the court. The team’s success could sway his decision. If they make a deep playoff run, potential championship contention might tip the scales toward an extension. But if the Cavs falter, Mitchell could explore other options.
