Another Season With Donovan Mitchell Means Expectations Have Been Set For Cavs

The organization has expectations to meet, and if they don't, changes could be on the way.

It goes without saying that once the Cleveland Cavaliers went out and acquired a player the caliber of Donovan Mitchell, the clock started ticking on what's deemed a successful season.

The Cavaliers, having wasted no time after being eliminated in the play-in round during the 2021-2022 season, acquired Mitchell in the offseason.

With that, the win total increased from 44 wins to 51, but the wine and gold were ultimately outplayed by the New York Knicks in the first round of the Eastern Conference and sent the Cavs home packing.

Following the rout, there had been some rumblings on how long the team would see Mitchell adorn the Cleveland jersey which makes this season seem like more of a pressing matter.

Last month, ESPN's Brian Windhorst had reported he didn't expect a contract extension to be signed in 2023. In the meantime, the organization went out and added to the roster to make another go at it for the upcoming season.

"I do not expect him to sign an extension with the Cavs this summer."@WindhorstESPN on Donovan Mitchell's extension plans. pic.twitter.com/LztgcjqI6V

— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) September 21, 2023

While on a podcast with ESPN's Zache Lowe, Chris Fedor of cleveland.com alluded that the Cavaliers will make changes if they do not advance beyond the first round of the playoffs during this upcoming season.

While one could agree that the performance against the Knicks was abysmal, changes after just two seasons with Mitchell could seem like pulling the plug quick.

But, the team has to look out for their best interests also, and if a trade is in order to stay protected from not getting anything in return should they run it back a third season, they may have to consider doing just that.

Mitchell would be under contract for the third year with the Cavs, but be eligible for free agency in 2025 should he decline his $37 million player option.

With J.B. Bickerstaff entering his fifth season as head coach, it seems like the boiling point could come should the team not surpass the first round of the playoffs. And by the play we saw to close out last season, one could make a case for the shake up if things trend that south again.