Donovan Mitchell Likely To Have Say In Cavs’ Future Roster Decisions

July 2, 2024

Donovan Mitchell agreed to a contract extension and now everyone who cares about the Cavaliers can breathe a sigh of relief.

The rest will be up to the Cavs to keep Mitchell content, something he undoubtedly is today.

Mitchell, 27, was already under contract for next season. His extension of three years and a reported $150.3 million goes into effect next summer. The deal includes a player option in the final year, per Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.

That gives the Cavs time to build on what they started in the two-year Mitchell era, reaching the first round of the playoffs in 2022-23 and the Eastern Conference semifinals this past season.

But on paper, a lot of other East teams have gotten better. The Philadelphia 76ers are landing former Los Angeles Clippers star Paul George. The New York Knicks — once a rumored Mitchell suitor — traded for ex-Brooklyn Nets forward Mikal Bridges. The Boston Celtics are defending NBA champions and the Indiana Pacers reached the East finals. And you have to think Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks will be back.

As for Mitchell and the Cavs, well, they’re mostly still the same — aside from hiring Kenny Atkinson as the new coach. They likely are to rely on continuity and familiarity, and the idea that Atkinson can get the most out of Evan Mobley, Darius Garland and the rest.

But when it does come to make some roster changes, don’t be surprised if Mitchell is in on the process, per Jason Lloyd of The Athletic.

In fact, Mitchell is “likely to have a voice in future personnel decisions,” Lloyd wrote. “It’s the price of doing business for small-market teams like the Cavs.”

For now, Mitchell is sticking around, and that’s really all that matters. The Cavaliers have good place from where to start.

“Furthermore, Mitchell’s signing continues a trend of the Cavs convincing players to come to (or stay) in Cleveland,” Lloyd wrote. “For 15 years, all the talk has been about how free agents won’t come here and stars won’t stay.”

Mitchell has changed all that. Now, again, the Cavs can take it from here — with, perhaps, a little help from their All-Star guard.