Cavaliers need to put star guard's contract situation to bed

Donovan Mitchell's contract situation is still hanging over the Cleveland Cavaliers. He has two years remaining on his current $163M deal. The final year of the contract is a player option. As such, Cleveland could lose its star guard for nothing next summer. 

According to The Athletic's Shams Charania, though, Cleveland believes it's close to extending Mitchell's contract. 

"While the Cavs’ coaching search nears a possible conclusion, the team’s executives are set to present a four-year, $209 million maximum contract to Mitchell, team and league sources said," Charania reported. "As for the coaching search, both Borrego and Atkinson are offensive-minded coaches who value ball movement and diversity in their attacks — things Mitchell craves."

The sooner the Cavaliers can resolve Mitchell's contract situation, the better. They can't begin building out their roster for next season until they know what's happening with their star player. Having the opportunity to play alongside Mitchell is likely a significant draw for potential free-agent additions. 

Furthermore, the future of Darius Garland is another aspect of the Mitchell situation that has to be dealt with. He is reported to want out of the Cavaliers if the star guard remains in Ohio. There is a perceived poor fit between the two guards. 

Until Mitchell's future is resolved, Garland's future remains in limbo.

The Cavaliers are trying to build a championship-level roster. Mitchell is a significant part of that. He's their best player and the biggest draw for fans and potential talent. If they can secure a new head coach who brings a more offensive style of play and secure Mitchell's long-term future, they will be setting themselves up for success.

However, the longer they continue to be drawn into this "will he, won't he" saga, the longer they're not focusing on improving the current roster. Mitchell is a star player. Star players are supposed to uplift a roster and accelerate a contention timeline. 

It's about time Cleveland figured things out and got back to working on improving the team. Otherwise, Mitchell's tenure in Ohio could begin to sour. After all, a fanbase's patience isn't unlimited.