Donovan Mitchell. David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

Red-hot Cavaliers may have more at stake than potential playoff run

By Adam Taylor | Last updated 2/28/24

The Cleveland Cavaliers have won 16 of their last 20 games. They've surged up the Eastern Conference standings and sit in second place. And their closest competitors for that spot, the Milwaukee Bucks and New York Knicks, have been treading water.

Donovan Mitchell has been the catalyst for Cleveland's exceptional performances since the turn of the year. It's those performances that have led Stephen A. Smith to believe the Cavaliers could gatecrash the conference finals in May.

"Cleveland looks like a bona fide threat in the Eastern Conference," Smith said. "... I'm still not sold. I still believe if the New York Knicks come back healthy. And that's a huge if. They New York Knicks could take them, just like they did last year. But it doesn't take away from what I'm seeing right now. Credit where credit is due to the Cleveland Cavaliers."

"Cleveland looks like a bonafide threat within the Eastern Conference."

@stephenasmith on the Cavs pic.twitter.com/U9bVgJsTQ2
— First Take (@FirstTake) February 28, 2024

If the Cavaliers wish to retain Mitchell beyond his current contract, their recent production is the way to make that happen. Winning matters. If Cleveland continues to secure wins and make a legitimate push in the postseason, Mitchell may become more open to negotiating a contract extension in the summer.

After all, Cleveland's roster is built around young talent. Mitchell could spearhead the Cavaliers for the next five or six years. The Celtics' championship window doesn't project to be open that long. Neither does the Bucks'. Mitchell and his team's current run could be what makes or breaks the franchise's immediate future.

Outside of Mitchell's contract situation, Cleveland is proving they're going to be a tough out in the playoffs. The Bucks aren't performing at the level everybody expected. The Philadelphia 76ers will likely be without Joel Embiid. And right now, it's hard to project what type of playoff team the Miami Heat will be. That gives the Cavaliers a rare opportunity.

This is the perfect time for the Cavaliers to announce they're ready to contend. Their record in 2024 speaks volumes for the progress the roster is making. But only postseason success will be enough to make people sit up and take notice. Even then, their ability to contend moving forward will remain tied to Mitchell's willingness to remain with the franchise.

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