Kofi Inkoom
Rival teams are watching Donovan Mitchell’s situation closely, hoping he might be available for a trade this offseason. However, reports suggest “there is a growing sentiment around the league” that the Cleveland Cavaliers will sign him to an extension soon.
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski shared on NBA Countdown,
“I reached out to Donovan Mitchell today, and he was emphatic in telling me that he is not disgruntled with anyone or anything in Cleveland. In fact, he said to me, ‘I am happy in Cleveland. I’ve been happy since I arrived in Cleveland.'”
“I am happy in Cleveland. I’ve been happy since I’ve arrived in Cleveland,” Donovan Mitchell to Woj. pic.twitter.com/UqnASZoblY
— ESPN Cleveland (@ESPNCleveland) May 17, 2024
Mitchell believes the team has made significant progress, particularly by winning their first-round series against the Magic to reach the Conference Semifinals for the first time since 2018.
“But as he said, he’s not in this to go to the second round of the Eastern Conference playoffs.”
The Cavaliers plan to offer Mitchell an extension this offseason. Wojnarowski added,
“Donovan Mitchell knows the question that is coming for him now in this offseason about his future in Cleveland. He said, ‘I know I’ve got a decision to make this offseason. My agent and I will talk to Cleveland about that at the right time.'”
“I’m not leaving this season unhappy. I’m leaving it more determined.”
If Mitchell doesn’t sign an extension this summer, the Cavaliers may have to trade him to avoid losing him for nothing, especially since he has a player option worth $37 million for the 2025-26 season.
During the 2023-24 regular season, Mitchell played in 55 games, averaging 26.6 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 6.1 assists while shooting 46.2% from the field, 36.8% from three-point range, and 86.5% from the free-throw line.