Report: Cavaliers Want to Lock in Donovan Mitchell With Massive Extension This Summer

Donovan Mitchell (Image Credits: Imagn)

Report: Cavaliers Want to Lock in Donovan Mitchell With Massive Extension This Summer

Originally posted on Total Pro Sports | By Heena Singh | Last updated May 17, 2026 5:48 PM ET

The Cleveland Cavaliers are heading into a massive offseason with one priority sitting above everything else: keeping Donovan Mitchell locked in long term. After another strong season from their franchise star, Cleveland reportedly wants to move aggressively before contract uncertainty becomes a year-long distraction.

Mitchell, however, holds all the leverage. The All-Star guard is already under contract through 2026-27 with a player option for 2027-28, meaning he can afford to wait. And financially, waiting could completely reshape the size and power of his next deal.

According to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, the Cavs want to offer Mitchell a four-year extension worth roughly $272 million this July. However, the bigger payday may come if he delays negotiations until 2027.

“The Cavs want to sign Donovan Mitchell to a 4-year, $272M extension this July, but he “probably should” wait until 2027 to land a 5-year, $350M deal with a no-trade clause.”

The Cavs want to sign Donovan Mitchell to a 4-year, $272M extension this July, but he "probably should" wait until 2027 to land a 5-year, $350M deal with a no-trade clause, per @WindhorstESPN pic.twitter.com/kFvzw6fOqE
— NBA Base (@TheNBABase) May 17, 2026

That possibility creates real tension for Cleveland. Mitchell has never hinted at wanting out since arriving from the Utah Jazz in 2022, but allowing him to approach unrestricted free agency would still place a giant spotlight over the franchise for the next two seasons.

Pistons Suddenly Have Donovan Mitchell and Cleveland Under Pressure

The Cleveland Cavaliers look like a team fighting for survival after getting embarrassed by the Detroit Pistons in Game 6. What once felt like Cleveland’s series has completely flipped into chaos heading into a brutal winner-take-all Game 7.

Cade Cunningham controlled the entire game with confidence while Detroit crushed Cleveland 115-94. The Pistons dominated the second half, exposed the Cavaliers’ offense, and turned the pressure squarely onto Donovan Mitchell and the rest of Cleveland’s stars.

Donovan Mitchell (Image Credits: Imagn)

Now the series feels wide open. Cleveland’s championship hopes suddenly look shaky, while Detroit heads into Game 7 with momentum, swagger, and a young core that no longer looks afraid of the moment.

This article first appeared on Total Pro Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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