For the second straight year, Donovan Mitchell was left painfully ruing the what-ifs after the Cleveland Cavaliers fell short of their goal.
Last season, Mitchell sat alone at Rocket Arena for a few hours after they were upset by the Indiana Pacers in the second round despite being the top seed. Now, they got swept by the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference Finals.
After back-to-back disappointments, Mitchell could either seek a brighter situation elsewhere or stay in Cleveland and be more motivated to get over the hump.
The seven-time All-Star is eligible for a contract extension in July, and according to him, he does not see himself wearing a different jersey.
“I love it here. I don’t know any other way to say it,” said Mitchell, as quoted by NBA insider Marc Stein.
The 29-year-old guard led the Cavaliers to a 52-30 record. He averaged 27.9 points, 4.5 rebounds, 5.7 assists, and 1.5 steals and was named to the All-NBA Second Team.
Mitchell is set to earn $50 million next season and has a player option worth $54 million for 2027-2028, but ESPN reporter Brian Windhorst recently stated that the Cavaliers are pondering a different move.
“Cleveland reportedly wants to replace that option year with a brand new extension this summer. The Cavaliers could offer Mitchell a four-year extension worth up to $272 million in July,” said Windhorst.
The Cavaliers have not missed the playoffs since Mitchell arrived in 2022.
Mitchell was visibly frustrated during a timeout in the first half of Game 4 against the Knicks, seemingly imploring his teammates to exert more effort. He finished with a game-high 31 points and four rebounds.