Sentiment Around NBA Is That Donovan Mitchell Will Sign Max Extension With Cavs

While plenty of rivals reportedly are ready to make trade offers for Cavaliers star Donovan Mitchell this summer, they may not ever get a chance, many around the NBA predict.

Instead, there is a “growing sentiment” in league circles that Mitchell will sign a maximum four-year contract extension worth over $200 million with the Cavs, according to NBA insiders Shams Charania, Joe Vardon and Jason Lloyd of The Athletic.

A new contract would require Mitchell to decline his $37.1 million player option for 2025-26.

Interestingly, the report went on the say that should Mitchell agree to an extension, agent Rich Paul would speak to the Cavs about potentially trading Darius Garland, who experienced a rocky season and went just 4-of-17 shooting in Wednesday’s Game 5 closeout loss to the Boston Celtics. Paul represents Garland.

“Furthermore, rival executives believe the Cavs will have to seriously evaluate the fit of Mitchell and Garland and ultimately may have to choose one or the other,” Charania, Vardon and Lloyd wrote. “Should Mitchell decide to stay long term, sources briefed on the matter say Garland’s representation, Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul, would have a conversation with Cavs officials on potentially finding a new home for the one-time All-Star.”

League sources told Hoops Wire that the Cavs have not given up on the idea of a Mitchell and Garland tandem working in the backcourt, though no firm decisions have been made on their future together. The Cavs’ priority this offseason is locking up Mitchell, and then deciding what to do about the rest of the roster from there, sources said.

Mitchell averaged 26.6 points, 5.1 rebounds and 6.1 assists during the regular season — shooting 46.2 percent from the field, 36.8 percent on 3-pointers and 86.5 percent on free throws. He basically carried the Cavs in the playoffs — including a 50-point eruption in a Game 6 loss to Orlando in the first round — before suffering a calf strain. He missed Cleveland’s final two playoff games, both losses.

The Cavs are 58-37 when Mitchell and Garland are in the lineup together. 

Meanwhile, The Athletic report also said that Mitchell “didn’t have great confidence” in coach J.B. Bickerstaff and that Bickerstaff’s job is in serious jeopardy. 

NBA sources told Hoops Wire that the Cavs have not reached a decision on Bickerstaff’s future with the franchise.

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