After losing to the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference Finals, Cleveland Cavs All-Star Donovan Mitchell still has high hopes for this season. The Cavs acquired Peyton Watson in an $88 million sign-and-trade over the summer, then re-signed James Harden to a three-year, $97 million extension, solidifying his future in Cleveland.
After the Knicks raised their championship banner on Opening Night, Mitchell said he’s eager to lead the Cavs to another deep playoff run in 2027, per Cleveland.com’s Chris Fedor.
“There’s still a fire,” Mitchell said. “I think losing the way we did, I joked about it at the end of the year, but having to be around that noise all summer, I lived there, understanding that, hearing that as a group, without even saying it, we understand what’s in front of us, the opportunity we have in front of us.
“Obviously, I’ve had a lot of life changes this summer. A lot of times when life is set and complete, business and life and the professional life typically follow suit. It’s just like, ‘Man, how can I just be at my best?’
“I’m locked in and I’m ready to go.”
The Knicks swept the Cavs 4-0 in last season’s Eastern Conference Finals.
“It’s something I dream about,” Mitchell said.
Cavs All-Star Donovan Mitchell had to watch the Knicks celebrate an NBA player’s ultimate goal, earning a championship ring before raising a banner that cements one’s legacy.
“I promise you everybody on the Knicks and on the Thunder and on the Warriors, everybody that’s won a championship, I promise you, has dreamt of that moment,” Mitchell said. “You watch on TV. You watch other sports teams win. I watched the WNBA playoffs when A’ja Wilson wins, seeing her reaction, someone who I’m friends with.
“You’re watching football and seeing those guys react. It’s always on my mind. I want it so bad. Not just for myself, but for my teammates, for this organization and for Cleveland. It’s something where you’re like, ‘Man, I can’t wait for that to happen one day.’”
“I want to be a champion,” he reiterated.
Leading the Cavs to the franchise’s first championship since LeBron James’ 2016 run means everything to Mitchell.
“I can do whatever and I feel like it’s always going to be something,” Mitchell said. “I think there are a few guys like that, and I have certain things that won’t go away until I retire and then people will be like holy [expletive] this dude was really good. I think for me I’ve kind of let go of that, and I credit my therapy work.
“I’m just going to try to be the best player I can be. I’m really good. I’m really talented. I’ve done a lot. At the end of the day, when I’m done playing in 10 years, 15 years, whatever that is, people will be like, I could have appreciated this dude a little bit more.”
For Donovan Mitchell, the Cavs’ run to the Eastern Conference Finals was a wasted opportunity against the Knicks.
“We had an opportunity and we blew it,” Mitchell said. “I think that’s something that will forever resonate and sit with me, not even just coming into the season, I think forever, right?
“But I feel confident in what we can do as a group. I feel at peace.”
Ahead of Mitchell’s first full season alongside James Harden, he’s confident that this season’s Cavs team has the best chances of winning a title. The Cavs will open the regular season on the road against the 76ers on Thursday.