Donovan Mitchell Agrees To Three Year, $150.3 Million Extension

All-star guard Donovan Mitchell compromised with the Cavaliers Saturday on a new contract to keep him in Cleveland. Mitchell was signed for three years, worth $150.3 million. The deal includes a player option for 2027-2028, securing the all-star for an additional season while putting a five-year, $380 million extension on the table.

Mitchell is the soul of the Cavs’ offense, averaging 26.6 points per game last season, racking up 6.1 assists and shooting 36.8 percent beyond the arc. The guard was acquired from the Utah Jazz in 2022.

Rumors swirled regarding the all-star’s future with Cleveland as there was uncertainty if Mitchell would stick around after this season due to the last two seasons’ underwhelming postseasons. Cleveland was knocked out of the first round by the Knicks in 2022-2023 and trounced by the Celtics in the 2023-2024 playoffs – Boston went on to win the NBA Finals. Despite this, Mitchell wanted to stay a Cavalier as he was confident that the organization could build around him. In a video posted to X, the all-star announced his intention to remain a Cav: “I’m glad I gone this done in Cleveland. Now, to get focused. Let’s get to it.”

Mitchell‘s contract is part of a busy offseason for the Cavs, who fired coach J.B. Bickerstaff, concluding the NBA Finals since Bickerstaff failed to advance past the second round. Former Nets coach and Warriors assistant Kenny Atkinson was hired in June to lead the ship for 2024. Atkinson commented that he made a “great connection” with Mitchell and was glad to work with him.

Decisions need to be made regarding Mitchell’s supporting cast—the Cavs need to ponder whether Darius Garland, Evan Mobley or Jarrett Allen will remain in an improved Eastern Conference. The 76ers recently recruited Paul George to pair with Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey, while the Celtics locked NBA Champion Jayson Tatum to the largest deal in NBA history and are looking to run it back. The Knicks acquired Mikal Bridges from the Nets to bolster perimeter defense.

Article by Christian Bongiorno