Cleveland Cavaliers Facing Serious Threat Of Losing Donovan Mitchell

Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert has gone on record saying that he wants to sign Mitchell to a long-term extension. But the 5-time All-Star has been reluctant to discuss his future with the team.

While Mitchell’s demeanor may just be to keep the focus on the season, a report from Bleacher Report’s Eric Pincus may hint at something more. According the Pincus, people around the league believe Mitchell plans to turn down an extension with Cleveland and hit the open market.

The lone caveat to keep Mitchell is reportedly if the Cavs make a surprise run to the NBA Finals.

The buzz in NBA circles suggests that barring a run to the NBA Finals, Mitchell will decline an extension and look elsewhere, and the Cavaliers are more likely than not to move him well before he can leave outright as a free agent.

The Cavaliers would be able to offer him the most money among all teams and the team is reportedly willing to offer their star guard maximum money. However, money may not be the biggest motivator for Mitchell at this point in his career.

Donovan Mitchell’s Contract Situation With The Cleveland Cavaliers

Mitchell is making just under $33.2 million this season and over $35.4 million next season. The Cavs guard has a $37.1 million player option for the 2025-26 that he will more than likely forego in order to sign a long term extension with his team of choice.

The Louisville alum will be 29 — right in the middle of his prime — before the 2025-26 campaign. Mitchell will likely cash in on a massive deal that’s commensurate of his career apex.

Only time will tell if he’ll truly spurn the Cavs eventually and whether the team would be wise to trade him before that happens.