All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell will sign a three-year, $150.3 million max contract extension with the Cleveland Cavaliers, per ESPN insider Adrian Wojnarowski. Mitchell’s deal will keep him under contract with the Cavs through 2027-28, though there’s a player option in his final season.
BREAKING: Cleveland Cavaliers All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell has agreed on a three-year, $150.3 million maximum contract extension that includes a player option for the 2027-2028 season, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/Vu6QXGyK57
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 2, 2024
With this agreement in place, Cleveland has secured some measure of peace.
#LetEmKnow @cavs pic.twitter.com/QU1re4zn0G
— Donovan Mitchell (@spidadmitchell) July 2, 2024
Prior to his decision to sign an extension, Mitchell’s contract was set to expire in 2026. However, he had a player option for the 2025-26 season, which would’ve allowed him to reach free agency next offseason. With the Cavs having surrendered all but a king’s ransom to attain Mitchell in 2022, they would prefer that he stayed longer than that.
Cavs, Donovan Mitchell Agree to 3-Year Max Contract Extension
Mitchell has had his best years since arriving in Cleveland.
In two seasons with the Cavs, the former No. 13 pick has averaged 27.5 points, 5.2 assists, and 1.6 steals per game on .475-.378-.866 splits. As Mitchell turned 27 years old last September, it could be the case that he simply hit his theoretical prime. For most players, their prime begins around the time they’re 26 years old and lasts until they’re a couple of steps past the wrong side of 30.
No matter whether Mitchell’s growth was a natural occurrence, the byproduct of playing beside the Cavs’ talented first unit, or the coaching of J.B. Bickerstaff though, it’s been a blessing to Cleveland. Mitchell’s excellence has led the Cavs to achieve a level of success that they hadn’t without LeBron James.
In both seasons that Mitchell has played with Cleveland, they’ve reached the playoffs. They hadn’t accomplished this without James since 1998. In the 2024 NBA Playoffs, they won their first postseason series without James since 1993. This isn’t to compare Mitchell and James’ abilities or legacies, but to acknowledge that the Cavs have finally figured out a way to win without James.
Now, Cleveland must figure out how he and Darius Garland can thrive at the same time. Cavs head coach Kenny Atkinson and Co. will have every opportunity to ensure that they do. Should they manage that, the sky may be the limit for this group.
Kenny Atkinson offers his initial thoughts on the #Cavs Core Four of Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen.
Can he make all of it work together?
“Well, that’s what they’re going to pay me for here.” pic.twitter.com/XAX45KhvXT
— Spencer Davies (@SpinDavies) July 1, 2024
If not, Garland very well may officially request a trade, forcing Cleveland to split up their star backcourt. If not, the 2027 offseason is only three years away, and Mitchell could still head out the door.
