NBA Exec: ‘There’s No Doubt’ Donovan Mitchell Leaves Cavaliers

An Eastern Conference executive told Howard Beck of The Ringer that Donovan Mitchell will leave the Cleveland Cavaliers when his contract ends. 

Mitchell has a player option worth $37 million for the 2025-26 season. The All-Star can become an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2025 if he declines that player option. 

“There’s no doubt he’s leaving once his contract ends,” the Eastern Conference exec said about Donovan Mitchell. 

The Cavaliers acquired Mitchell from the Utah Jazz in September 2022. Mitchell thought he would get traded to the New York Knicks, but the Jazz sent him to Cleveland for Ochai Agbaji, Lauri Markkanen, Collin Sexton and multiple draft picks. 

Mitchell guided the Cavaliers to 51 wins last season. However, Cleveland lost to the Knicks in the first round of the 2023 playoffs in five games. 

The Cavaliers are 35-17 this season. They are in second place in the Eastern Conference standings. 

Mitchell, 27, is averaging 28.3 points, 5.4 rebounds and 6.3 assists this season while shooting 47.5% from the field, 36.3% from beyond the arc and 86.2% from the free-throw line. He’s 17th in the NBA in total points and fourth in points per game. 

Mitchell signed a five-year, $163 million extension with the Jazz in November 2020. He’s making $32.6 million this season and will make $34.8 million in 2024-25. 

If the Cavaliers don’t go on a deep playoff run this year, rumors about Mitchell wanting out of Cleveland will only get louder. 

A New York native, Mitchell has career averages of 24.9 points, 4.3 rebounds and 4.6 assists with the Jazz and Cavaliers. He scored a career-high 71 points last season against the Chicago Bulls. 

The Knicks, Brooklyn Nets and Los Angeles Lakers are interested in acquiring Mitchell, sources told Hoops Wire. Mitchell doesn’t have a no-trade clause in his contract.