Cavs Notes: Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley, salary-saving moves

To be clear, there has been nothing to indicate Mitchell wants out. In fact, he has repeatedly expressed his commitment to Cleveland since arriving in the 2022 trade with Utah.

Following the season, president of basketball operations Koby Altman didn’t sound like someone preparing for life without Mitchell.

“Donovan is uniquely ours, and he’s our guy,” Altman said.

Mitchell is eligible for a four-year extension this summer. If he chooses to wait, he could become eligible for an even larger contract next offseason.

But as one league source told Hoops Wire, all signs continue to point toward the two sides remaining committed to one another.

Mobley facing higher expectations

Meanwhile, Bleacher Report’s Andy Bailey recently suggested that Evan Mobley‘s next step must come on the offensive end.

As you know, Mobley already owns a Defensive Player of the Year award and helped lead the Cavs to the Eastern Conference finals this season.

But Bailey argued that if the Cavs hope to take another step, Mobley may need to evolve from an All-Star into a true offensive centerpiece.

As you also know, that’s hardly a new conversation.

The Cavs have consistently maintained that they view Mobley as a franchise cornerstone. Altman reiterated as much during exit interviews, pointing to Mobley’s growth and the team’s belief in his long-term future.

There’s also been a report from Cleveland.com that some members of the organization are strongly opposed to including Mobley in any potential trade discussions involving Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Why Cavs may be seeking flexibility

Pedone also examined the Cavs’ reported efforts to reduce payroll this summer.

Recent reports have linked them to possible cost-saving moves involving Dennis Schroder, while many around the league expect James Harden to decline his option and sign a new deal.

The goal may not simply be saving money.

Rather, creating financial flexibility could give the Cavs more options as they look to improve a roster that fell short of its championship aspirations.

No less than team owner Dan Gilbert wrote that the organization plans to “dig in all summer” and do everything possible to take the next step.

Exactly what that means remains to be seen.

But with Mitchell’s extension talks looming, Mobley’s continued development and the front office exploring ways to create flexibility, it promises to be an interesting few weeks. 

The Cavs may say they’re standing pat. But for the record, I don’t think they will.