NBA Executive Says Donovan Mitchell Is 100% Leaving The Cavaliers Once His Contract Expires

Cavaliers star Donovan Mitchell is quietly moving up the MVP rankings this season, but his chances of a long-term future with the Cavaliers are still very much in doubt. According to one executive, he's pretty much a sure-fire bet to leave the Cavs when his current contract expires. 

"If the Cleveland Cavaliers flame out in the first round again, will Donovan Mitchell ask out? Or if Mitchell, slated for free agency in 2025, balks at a contract extension (as rivals expect), will the Cavs preemptively trade him," asked The Ring's Howard Beck. "'There’s no doubt he’s leaving once his contract ends,' said the second Eastern Conference exec, echoing a belief held by many around the league."

After a slow start this season, the Cavaliers have caught fire of late to move into second place in the East standings. Ranked 2nd defensively and fourth in net rating, the Cavs are looking better than ever with their new formula that involves using Donovan Mitchell and Jarrett Allen together with three wing shooters on the floor.

Even so, last year's embarrassing loss to the Knicks in round one exposed the Cavaliers in a way that not everyone has been so willing to forget. Currently, as the Cavs dominate the East, the critics have doubts that they won't flame out again come playoff time. 

Mitchell, who is signed on through 2026, still has a few years under contract but we've seen star players force their way out before. If Mitchell wants to leave as other stars did (Ben Simmons, James Harden, etc.) and he puts pressure on the Cavs to grant his wishes, it might not be long before he finds himself in a situation more to his liking. Clearly, there are strong feelings across the league that Donovan will pull this move eventually and the Cavaliers may have already lost the war to retain the All-Star guard.

Which Team Could Acquire Donovan Mitchell?

It's still unknown when/if Mitchell will ever be made available by the Cavaliers but his skills as a scorer and ball-handler make him one of the most coveted assets in the association. This season, through 43 games, he's averaging 28.3 points, 6.3 assists, and 5.4 rebounds per game on 47.5% shooting.

Set to make over $100 million over the next three years, Mitchell is certainly an expensive addition to any NBA roster but he's somebody who could move the needle in the right situation. For a while, the Knicks were thought to be a prime destination for Mitchell but that outcome seems less likely with each passing day.

In Los Angeles, the Lakers have arguably the best odds for Mitchell given their status as a high-market team and the assets they would have to offer in any potential deal. With a package of Austin Reaves, D'Angelo Russell, and some future picks, the Lakers could at least get the conversation started for Mitchell even if it would take a third team to finalize the deal.

Either way, regardless of his pursuers, it's looking like Donovan Mitchell is trending toward leaving the Cavaliers, and it would obviously be a massive blow to the organization after giving up so much to get him back in 2023.