Will Sixers Rival Cavaliers Extend Their Star Player Soon?

The Cavaliers could start thinking about a Donovan Mitchell extension.

The Cleveland Cavaliers became a young team to watch as potential dark horse championship candidates in the Eastern Conference last summer. 

As the Cavs swooped in and snagged Donovan Mitchell from the Utah Jazz after the New York Knicks pursued the star guard with full intentions of landing him, the Cavaliers’ championship odds saw a boost.

Cleveland wasn’t too far off from the Philadelphia 76ers, who finished the 2022-2023 season off with the third-best record in the Eastern Conference. Wrapping up the year at 51-31, the Cavaliers got exactly what they needed from Mitchell during the regular season.

Unfortunately, Mitchell’s playoff experience dating back to his Utah days did not help the Cavaliers make the run they wanted. Cleveland faced the fifth-seeded New York Knicks in the first round of the 2023 NBA Playoffs. Despite being favored to move on to the second round, the Cavaliers short-circuited in the first round and exited the postseason early.

Suddenly, Cleveland’s future looks slightly grimmer as questions now surround Donovan Mitchell’s passion for playing for the Cavaliers long-term. 

Earlier this week, ESPN NBA Insider Brian Windhorst addressed the latest on Mitchell. Considering the young veteran’s contract is nearing extension territory, now would be the time the Cavaliers should start looking into possibly extending the All-Star. However, Windhorst speculated that Mitchell doesn’t necessarily desire one at this time. 

"I don't think under any circumstances he was ever considering extending this season,” Windhorst said on NBA Today on Monday. “I think the Cavs knew that when they traded for him. I think the pressure point comes a year from now when he's got one year left on his contract."

In 2023-2024, Mitchell will earn over $32 million. Next season, he’s slated to pick up over $34 million. Beyond that, Mitchell could either pick up his $37 million option for the 2025-2026 season or decline it and become a free agent during the summer of 2025.

As long as Mitchell is at least content with playing in Cleveland for the time being, the Cavaliers will look to capitalize on their current competitive window as they’ll remain playoff contenders for next season. While the potential of Mitchell growing disgruntled and becoming the next NBA star to request a trade is there, the Cleveland-based star hasn’t shown any interest in a change of scenery at this time.

However, it seems that signs are pointing towards Mitchell not being with the Cavaliers long-term, barring any major changes of heart next season.