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Cleveland Cavaliers Have Donovan Mitchell Trade Ultimatum Amid Free Agency Dilemma

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Paolo Songco | Last updated 5/27/24

The Cleveland Cavaliers are facing a significant dilemma this summer surrounding their best player. Despite Donovan Mitchell being under contract with the team through 2026, the fact that he has a player option on his current deal for the 2025-26 season has cast a huge shadow on his future in Cleveland.

The Cavs front office is well aware of this fact and apparently, this could force their hand to green-light a sensational and potentially landscape-shifting Mitchell trade this offseason.

Cleveland Cavaliers Willing to Trade Donovan Mitchell

The last thing the Cavs want is for Mitchell to walk away as a free agent next summer. This is why they will be working diligently towards agreeing on a long-term extension with their cornerstone superstar this offseason.

However, according to team insider Terry Pluto of cleveland.com, the Cavs are not shutting the door on potentially parting ways with the five-time All-Star if Mitchell refuses to sign on the dotted line:

“The Cavs star has one year left on his contract. I’ve been told the Cavs either would sign him to an extension this summer, or trade him. They have zero intention of opening the 2024-25 season with Mitchell heading into his free agent year,” Pluto wrote.

Whichever direction this situation takes, what is clear is that this will be a pivotal summer for Mitchell and his future in the NBA. He’s only been with the Cavs for two seasons, but at this point, it has become increasingly possible that this future will no longer be in Cleveland.