Cavs’ Dan Gilbert Says He’s Confident Donovan Mitchell Will Sign Extension

Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert said he believes All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell will sign a long-term contract extension with the team this offseason.

Gilbert said as much directly to Larry Lage of the Associated Press.

“We’ve been talking to him, sure, for the last couple of years about extending this contract,” Gilbert told Lage. “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.”

Multiple league sources have told Hoops Wire they believe Mitchell is most likely to sign an extension with the Cavs before the summer of 2025, when he is eligible for free agency. He has a player option worth $37 million for the 2025-26 season and can become an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2025 if he declines that option. 

Grant Asfeth of SI.com and NBA Analysis Network also reported as much earlier this week.

“According to multiple league sources who have told NBA Analysis Network, the growing sentiment around the NBA is that Mitchell plans to remain with the Cleveland Cavaliers after his current contract expires,” Afseth wrote.

“Granted, it’s early in the process of how star players make decisions. Regardless, If that holds, the Cavs could become a trade buyer to watch as they continue to shape the roster around Mitchell.”

Mitchell, 27, is averaging 27.4 points, 5.3 rebounds, 6.1 assists, 1.8 steals and 0.5 blocks this season while shooting 46.8% from the field, 37.3% on 3-pointers and 86.2% from the free-throw line. 

He holds career averages of 24.9 points, 4.3 rebounds, 4.6 assists and 1.4 steals with the Utah Jazz and Cavaliers. That includes a career-high 71 points last season against the Chicago Bulls. 

The Cavs (44-29) fell to fourth place in the Eastern Conference following Wednesday’s road loss to Charlotte. Mitchell has missed time with knee and nose injuries, but is reportedly targeting a return for Friday’s home game vs. Philadelphia.