Donovan Mitchell Speaks On Signing Extension With Cavaliers: ‘It Was Just A No-Brainer’

Cleveland Cavaliers star Donovan Mitchell told NBA reporters at media day that it was a “no-brainer” to sign an extension. 

Mitchell signed a three-year, $150.3 million maximum contract extension.

“From the minute I got here I told my mom, I think I was just like, ‘Yo, I really like it here,’” Mitchell said. “For me it was just a no-brainer. I’ve known for a little bit that this was my decision. It’s finally good to have a media day where we’re not talking about where I’m going next. You can lay your roots somewhere that you actually want to be. I think that’s special.”

One of the top players in the NBA, Mitchell is averaging 27.5 points, 4.6 rebounds, 5.2 assists, 1.6 steals and 0.5 blocks with the Cavaliers.

Last season, Mitchell averaged 26.6 points, 5.1 rebounds, 6.1 assists, 1.8 steals and 0.5 blocks in 2023-24 while shooting 46.2% from the field, 36.8% from beyond the arc and 86.5% from the free-throw line.

“It was kind of funny watching everybody say that this is how I’m feeling, but I knew,” Mitchell said. “I don’t want to call it a looming cloud. Every loss is like, ‘What’s going to happen next?’ It’s refreshing. I’m glad that we’re here and I’m excited to be here. You know where you’re going to be, where your feet are. It’s just a calming vibe. I can come in here now and breathe. It’s way more peaceful. I know where home is. I’m happy here.”

The Cavaliers went 48-34 last season. They beat the Orlando Magic in the first round of the playoffs in seven games but lost to the Boston Celtics in the second round in five games. 

“I believe when we’re healthy, we’re a championship-contending team,” Mitchell said. “But the unfortunate part is for the past two years we haven’t been a fully healthy team throughout the year in different spurts. Now the biggest thing is for us to put those pieces together on the health side, but then also put those pieces together on the floor. You don’t just throw a team together and make it to the championship. That’s pretty tough to do. It’s continue to take steps and building blocks and finding ways to compete at the highest level and win at the highest level.”