Marcus Morris Says He’d Be ‘Highly Surprised’ If Donovan Mitchell Didn’t Stay With Cavs

Free agent forward Marcus Morris, who finished this season with the Cavaliers, said he believes star guard Donovan Mitchell wants to remain with the organization.

Mitchell, of course, is eligible to sign a four-year, maximum contract extension ahead of next season.

“I think so,” Morris said when asked on Fan Duel’s Run It Back if Mitchell wants to stay with the Cavaliers. “I think he’s really liked it there. He could be himself, he was growing into being a leader from what I’ve seen. The fans embraced him really well. Don’s quiet, he’s a workaholic. He’s always in the gym, he’s always watching film.

“I think Cleveland’s a really great place for him. It’s a great market. Great fans, always showing out.

Morris concluded, “I would be highly surprised if he left,” repeating himself for emphasis.

Also in the interview, Morris suggested that there was a disconnect between Mitchell and Cavaliers coach J.B. Bickerstaff — who was fired after five-and-a-half seasons on Thursday.

The Cavs have begun their coaching search, with president of basketball operations Koby Altman indicating that his list is different than the one that’s being reported in the media. He also said that Mitchell’s looming contract situation had nothing to do with the decision to part ways with Bickertsaff.

Multiple reports suggest that the Cavs are optimistic Mitchell will sign the extension and remain in Cleveland.

It’s also been reported that Mitchell “did not have great confidence” in Bickerstaff.

“Though Cleveland improved under Bickerstaff, his teams scuffled after the All-Star break in each of the last three seasons,” wrote Shams Charania, Joe Vardon and Jason Lloyd for The Athletic. “Also, and perhaps most importantly, Cavs star Donovan Mitchell, among other players, did not have great confidence in Bickerstaff as the coach for the future, numerous league sources have said for most of the season.”

The Cavs finished 48-34 this past season and lost to the Boston Celtics in the second round of the playoffs. They beat the Orlando Magic in seven games in the first.