The Cleveland Cavaliers are preparing to enter the heart of the 2024 NBA free agency period. One of their biggest focuses of the offseason surrounds the contract of star guard Donovan Mitchell. Analysts believed there was a chance Mithcell would not sign an extension during the summer, which could lead to a trade. However, rumors hold that Mitchell could be in Cleveland longer than expected.
Despite previous doubts, Mitchell is expected to sign a contract extension with the Cavs that will be three years instead of four, per Marc Stein. The rumor came out shortly after the Cavs were believed to be ready to offer Mitchell a $209 million contract.
“While the Cavs’ coaching search nears a possible conclusion, the team’s executives are set to present a four-year, $209 million maximum contract to Mitchell, team and league sources said. As for the coaching search, both Borrego and Atkinson are offensive-minded coaches who value ball movement and diversity in their attacks — things Mitchell craves,” Shams Charania and The Athletic staff wrote on June 24th.
If the contract rumors become true, Cavs fans would be delighted to have Donovan Mitchell stay in Cleveland longer. The star guard had another year of stout production during the 2023-24 season. Through 55 games, Mitchell averaged 26.6 points, 6.1 assists, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.8 steals. Furthermore, he took his game to another level during the playoffs.
Mitchell elevated his scoring mark by three more points per game in the postseason, averaging 29.6 in 10 contests. He was instrumental in helping the Cavs win their first-round seven-game series against the Orlando Magic. Unfortunately, Cleveland came up short in their next series against the Boston Celtics. The Celtics won the series 4-1. Yet, Mitchell will not give up on trying to help Cleveland regain competitiveness.
Donovan Mitchell wants the Cavs to stay competitive
In 2023, the Cavaliers made the playoffs for the first time since the LeBron James era. However, they took a first-round loss to the New York Knicks. Since then, fans and analysts questioned the Cavs’ postseason potential. Mitchell understands the importance of winning in the playoffs and expressed so before the Cavs’ 2024 postseason run.
“It definitely is something that fuels me. This is what I want to be. This is why I work hard. I take the scrutiny. I take the praise. But in order for me to be considered one of the best to play this game, I’ve got to do something when it matters most. Individual performances are great. But team success has to come with it. That’s where I’m at in my career,” Mitchell told Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com.
Mitchell and Cleveland have the tools to be successful. Darius Garland and Jarrett Allen are two former All-Stars who make up the bulk of support around Mitchell. In addition, Evan Mobley is a rising star who continues to get better with every year.
The Cavs also have a new head coach arriving with Kenny Atkinson. Atkinson served the Brooklyn Nets as a head coach from 2016 to 2020. His player development skills will help take Cleveland to the next level.
It will be interesting to see if the Donovan Mitchell contract rumors come true during this pivotal offseason period.