As All-Star Donovan Mitchell prepares for his second postseason with the Cavaliers, doubts continue to grow about his long-term future with the organization. According to league insider Marc Stein, the Cavaliers may have no choice but to trade their prized star if he doesn’t agree to an extension within the coming months.
“Mitchell will be entering the final guaranteed year of his current contract next season if there’s no extension, leading to a growing belief among rival teams that the Cavaliers will be forced to trade Mitchell in coming months if they cannot come to terms with him an extension.”
Mitchell, 27, will enter the final year of his deal next season, for $35 million. After that, he can opt out of his contract and become a free agent as early as 2025. If the Cavaliers want to avoid losing him for nothing, their only option is to trade Mitchell before he can opt out next summer. If they can make out with a hoard of draft assets, it could speed up the entire rebuild process and set up the Cavs for some success even long after Mitchell is gone.
While Donovan has not expressed any outward interest in leaving the Cavs, rumors about his unhappiness have been swirling for months now and Mitchell has not helped to stop them with his reluctance to sign an extension. Perhaps the most telling moment of all came after Mitchell responded to Cavs owner Dan Gilbert himself to hold off on any long-term commitment to the team.
By all accounts, this upcoming postseason could be the last chance for the Cavaliers to convince Mitchell to stay. At 4th in the East, it’s been an up-and-down season for the Cavaliers and they still face a lot of unanswered questions heading into the playoffs. But unless the Cavs make a Finals run, Mitchell is almost sure to test free agency and we know the Knicks are already hot on his tail.
Is Donovan Mitchell New York Bound?
As an elite shooter and multiple-time All-Star in his prime, Donovan Mitchell is one of the most valuable players in the entire NBA right now. Through 54 games this season, he averaged 26.5 points, 6.1 assists, and 5.1 rebounds per game on 46% shooting.
On the Cavs, his play has been enough to elevate them to one of the best regular-season teams in the East — but (like in Utah) it hasn’t translated into playoff success. After last year’s collapse in the first round against the Knicks, Cleveland is facing many doubts about their future and Mitchell is on the cusp of a major decision.
As a team that’s been on the hunt for a star for years now, Donovan Mitchell seems like an ideal acquisition for the Knicks and it’s no secret that both sides have mutual interest in a partnership.
Alongside Jalen Brunson, Julius Randle, and OG Anunoby, Mitchell could break a cycle of losing for the franchise that has lasted for decades. As the biggest star arrival since Carmelo Anthony years ago, Mitchell would be celebrated and adored as a Knick and the pressure to win would be astronomical.
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