Donovan Mitchell Passes On Extension With Cavaliers

The Cleveland Cavaliers and Donovan Mitchell failed to reach a contract extension before the deadline.

Monday was the eve of the NBA's Opening Night. With it came a number of extensions handed out to rookies and some of the league's biggest names such as Giannis Antetokounmpo.

The Cleveland Cavaliers and Isaac Okoro didn't come to terms on an extension agreement earlier in the day, and Donovan Mitchell followed suit without a new contract extension too. He had until 11:59 pm ET on Monday night to agree to one and that deadline came and passed with nothing set in stone. 

Was this a surprising move that shook the fan base to its core? No. Was it expected that Spida would play the 2023-24 season without securing his future in Cleveland? Yes. 

Mitchell's holdout could have to do with the financial implications that come with waiting an extra season to sign an extension. 

It's important for Cleveland fans to remember that just because Mitchell did not sign an extension with the Cavs before the deadline, doesn't mean he's entirely ruling it out.

Mitchell said at Cavs Media Day that the earliest he would sign an extension with the Cavaliers would be the summer of 2024. That's why it's so important for Cleveland to have a successful season that concludes with a playoff series victory at the very least. (Preferably, a strong postseason run.)

Feb 15, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell before action against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports / © Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

The chatter around this decision will be whether or not Mitchell is happy in Cleveland or if the Cavs will explore trading him during the season. It feels like the New York Knicks will always be a potential landing spot until it happens, or the possibility is officially off the table.

Now, everyone's eyes turn to next offseason where a lot of questions will be answered on Mitchell's future.