The Cleveland Cavaliers are revamping their team after their second-round playoff exit to Boston Celtics. The Cavs parted ways with five-year head coach JB Bickerstaff on Thursday to spark their offseason moves. Furthermore, Donovan Mitchell’s contract extension talks have gained rumors of more potential trade suitors.
Analysts have speculated on whether or not Mitchell will sign a contract extension with the Cavs during the 2024 offseason. Cleveland’s early playoff exit in 2023 understandably did not please the star guard. However, the Cavs rallied to beat the Orland Magic to escape the first round in 2024.
Nevertheless, Cleveland’s 4-1 loss to the Celtics heated things again, particularly due to the play of Darius Garland. Garland failed to produce at the All-Star level he once was at. Thus, the backcourt partnership of he and Donovan Mitchell might be coming to an end. It will be interesting to see how the dynamic between the two guards shapes Mitchell’s extension decision.
Should Donovan Mitchell not extend his contract, there is one key team that could be waiting to pounce on a trade. If the Philadelphia 76ers are not able to sign a marquee free agent, they could be in the mix to acquire Mitchell, per Jake Fiscer of Yahoo Sports.
The 76ers reportedly would like to find a third star to pair with Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey, and Mitchell could fit their needs. Of course, Philly will likely miss out on Mitchell if extends. Yet, the Cavs’ move to part ways with JB Bickerstaff was seen as a move to entice the star guard to stay in Cleveland long-term.
It will be interesting to see what Mithcell does in a pivotal offseason amid the prime of his career.
Cavs’ Donovan Mitchell looks to keep elevating his game
Mitchell had another incredible year during the 2023-24 season. The 27-year-old averaged 26.6 points, 6.1 assists, 5.1 rebounds, and a career-high 1.8 steals per game during the regular season. He helped the Cavs go on a stellar mid-season hot streak that saw them rise to the second seed in the Eastern Conference at one point.
Mitchell further elevated his game during the postseason, averaging 29.6 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per contest. He was huge in Cleveland’s series-ending Game 7 victory over the Magic. Unfortunately, Mitchell sustained a calf injury that prevented him from helping Cleveland over the Celtics in the next round.
Despite the end of the season, Mitchell looks to get healthy and provide more two-way support for the team, if he remains there. The 76ers are not the only ones eyeing a trade for Mitchell. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst believes the Los Angeles Lakers, Brooklyn Nets, and Miami Heat could also be suitors for the star guard.
It would be weird to see Mitchell in another jersey. Hopefully, he and the Cavs can agree on a deal that keeps them in Cleveland, at least for a while longer. The Cavs have great supportive pieces and are on the brink of a deeper run. It will be interesting to see how the offseason unfolds ahead of the 2024-25 season.