NBA Insider Hears ‘Well-Placed’ Optimism That Cavs’ Donovan Mitchell Will Sign Extension

For the Cavaliers, the entire offseason boils down to whether Donovan Mitchell signs a contract extension. And we’re talking about an NBA team that still needs to hire a coach.

On the bright side, multiple reports and Hoops Wire sources have said that Mitchell will do exactly that — and quickly sign on the dotted line when they offer what is sure to be the maximum deal of four years and more than $200 million. For starters, the Cavs can pay Mitchell more than anyone else.

They can make the offer, and Mitchell can accept, in July.

Well, add NBA insider Marc Stein of the Stein Line to the list of those reporting that the Cavs like their chances.

“Today I heard another succinct but well-placed forecast of optimism that the Cavaliers will succeed in convincing Donovan Mitchell to sign a long-term contract extension this offseason,” Stein wrote on Wednesday.

Again, Hoops Wire sources have echoed those sentiments, saying that the Cavs are indeed optimistic. But “optimism” and “reality” are two different things, of course. So until a deal is done … all we can do is speculate.

Either way, most everything the Cavs do in terms of roster moves will be determined by what Mitchell decides. Except for maybe hiring a coach.

Sources have said the Cavs would like to have a coach in place before the NBA Draft on June 26 (they have the No. 20 overall pick). That also would be before Mitchell can officially sign an extension.

As of now, Golden State Warriors assistant Kenny Atkinson and New Orleans Pelicans assistant James Borrego are believed to be the frontrunners for the coaching gig. But president of basketball operations Koby Altman and the front office are interviewing lots of candidates. Things can always change.

What the Cavs are hoping doesn’t change is Mitchell’s uniform before next season. And it appears they think he’ll be back in the Wine and Gold.