Koby Altman making Donovan Mitchell extension a top Cavs priority

Building around Donovan Mitchell has been the Cavaliers’ mission ever since they acquired him from Utah nearly four years ago.

Nothing about that appears to be changing.

Speaking at his end-of-season press conference, Cavs president of basketball operations Koby Altman made it clear that keeping Mitchell in Cleveland remains a major organizational priority heading into the offseason.

“Donovan is our guy,” Altman said. “He’s elevated everything about this franchise and this organization.”

Mitchell becomes eligible for a contract extension on July 7, when Cleveland can offer him a four-year deal worth up to $272 million. Whether Mitchell chooses to sign immediately remains to be seen, as waiting until next summer could position him for an even larger contract worth roughly $350 million.

Altman declined to say whether the Cavs plan to put an offer in front of Mitchell as soon as he’s eligible.

What he did make clear is how highly the organization values its All-NBA guard.

“All I can tell you is Donovan has been steadfast in how much he loves it here,” Altman said. “There hasn’t been any question of will he be here and does he want to be here.”

Mitchell reiterated those feelings after the season ended, saying he loves playing for the Cavs and believes the franchise is capable of competing for a championship.

The results since his arrival support Altman’s optimism.

Before acquiring Mitchell in 2022, the Cavs missed the playoffs four straight years. Since then, they’re reached the postseason every season, culminating with this year’s trip to the Eastern Conference finals.

“Four years without him, no playoffs,” Altman said. “Four years with him, playoffs.”

If the Cavs have their way, that partnership isn’t ending anytime soon.