Donovan Mitchell's influence on Cavaliers listed among 'most powerful' in the NBA

The Cavaliers have made no secret of wanting to sign Mitchell to a contract extension. The All-Star guard has two years remaining on his current contract, with the second year being a player option. As such, the Cavaliers could lose Mitchell for nothing at the end of next season if they can't secure his long-term future this summer.

Mitchell has avoided committing his future to the Cavaliers throughout the season. If he does choose to remain with the franchise long-term, it will reportedly mean that Darius Garland is looking for a way out of Cleveland. His fit with Mitchell has looked questionable during their time on the floor together. 

Nevertheless, Mitchell's status as one of the best scoring guards in the NBA clearly has some value within the Cavaliers front office. They would undoubtedly like to keep him around and build their roster around his All-Star skillset. He will likely be consulted on the next coaching hire after reportedly losing faith in J.B. Bickerstaff.

If Windhorst is right, and Mitchell has been given a significant amount of power with the Cavaliers' decision-making process, it will be a mistake by Dan Gilbert and Mike Gansey. Giving so much power to a player who has refused to verbally commit to the franchise and who could still choose to walk away is a risky play. 

If that's what it takes to keep Mitchell in Cleveland, the Cavaliers need to ask themselves if he is really the type of player they want to build around long term. If the answer is yes, then so be it.