Cavaliers Star Donovan Mitchell Says He’s ‘Happy In Cleveland’

Cleveland Cavaliers star Donovan Mitchell told NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN that he’s “happy in Cleveland.”

Mitchell can sign an extension for up to four years and around $200 million this offseason with the Cavaliers. 

Woj talked to Donovan Mitchell:

“He is not disgruntled with anyone or anything in Cleveland. In fact, he said to me, “I am happy in Cleveland”—- he emphasized “I am not leaving this season unhappy, I am leaving it more determined.””

The decision awaits. #LetEmKnow pic.twitter.com/aKfdPhH3ru

— Dylan🔮🪼 (@dillybar2145) May 17, 2024

According to NBA insiders Shams Charania, Joe Vardon and Jason Lloyd of The Athletic, there is a growing sentiment around the league that the Cavaliers will be able to position themselves to receive Mitchell’s commitment for a lucrative contract extension that would keep him in Cleveland past his 30th birthday.

Mitchell appeared in 55 games during the 2023-24 regular season. He averaged 26.6 points, 5.1 rebounds and 6.1 assists while shooting 46.2% from the field, 36.8% from 3 and 86.5% from the free-throw line. 

One of the best scorers in the NBA, Mitchell has career averages of 24.8 points, 4.3 rebounds and 4.6 assists with the Utah Jazz and Cavaliers. He scored a career-high 71 points last season against the Chicago Bulls.

The Cavaliers lost to the New York Knicks in the first round of the 2023 playoffs. They beat the Orlando Magic in the first round of this year’s postseason but lost to the Boston Celtics in the second round. 

Charania, Vardon and Lloyd reported that Mitchell didn’t have great confidence in head coach JB Bickerstaff this season. The Cavaliers could fire Bickerstaff this offseason. 

“League sources briefed on the Cavaliers’ mindset told The Athletic that Bickerstaff’s job is in serious jeopardy after five and a half years as head coach, following the team’s season-ending loss in Game 5 of the second round to the Celtics,” Charania, Vardon and Lloyd wrote. “Two league sources said the team is likely to take some time — multiple days — to make a decision. … Multiple league sources have said, for months, that Mitchell did not have great confidence in Bickerstaff, and he was not alone.

“Several players questioned Bickerstaff’s strategies, game management, practice habits and accountability measures, privately and publicly, throughout the season.”

If Mitchell doesn’t sign an extension this summer, the Cavaliers may have to trade him so they don’t lose him for nothing. Mitchell has a player option worth $37 million for the 2025-26 season.