Donovan Mitchell
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Clebeland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell was hyped up after Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders earned his first NFL win.
The Cleveland Cavaliers are hoping to rebound from their disappointing start to the season in hopes of contending for an NBA Championship by the postseason. Donovan Mitchell is arguably having the best season of his career and should receive an All-NBA selection at the end of the season. However, injuries to Darius Garland and Evan Mobley, among others, have caused the Cavaliers to have a disappointing season so far.
ESPN insider Brian Windhorst revealed that Mitchell may be exploring his future sooner than most expected after the 2026-2027 season:
“[He’s] probably opting out. Is it to re-sign in Cleveland, or is it to go somewhere else? Or do the Cavs feel some pressure? That’s to be determined.”
Cleveland’s struggles certainly make this a broader topic than just Mitchell looking at the finances. Most players with a $50+ million opt in clause are likely to take the deal, especially if they enjoy their current situation.
Mitchell already considering opting out of his deal this far in advance may present some issues for the Cavaliers. Cleveland was expecting to contend with this current core for many years, but flaws are already lining up to complicate that.
Donovan Mitchell Could Force Cavs Change
The potential of Mitchell opting out after next season will see plenty of teams interested in one of the best shooting guards in the league. Mitchell averaging nearly 30 points and carrying the Cavaliers offense shows that he’s clearly not the problem if Cleveland fails to truly contend for a title.
It doesn’t help that the same issues continue to haunt the Cavaliers during their chase for a title. Garland and Mitchell playing together in the back court is problematic since few combinations of two small guards end up finding success on the same team.
Mobley taking a step forward to becoming a second superstar is likely required, but he’s been far too inconsistent this season to contribute to the struggles. Cleveland must find resolution to these issues and contend with this loaded roster or risk losing Mitchell sooner than later.
Donovan Mitchell Could Find New Home
This offseason is expected to see many teams setting themselves up for a brighter future. Last season ended with only a handful of franchises having cap space to make free agency quite boring. Most players remained with their teams since everyone was planning to make bigger moves this upcoming summer.
Mitchell’s love for New York has seen him rumored to join the New York Knicks in the past. The Brooklyn Nets may make even more sense in 2027 as a rebuilding team that won’t have control of many of their future first round draft picks.
This year’s postseason is the biggest factor in Mitchell’s future. Last year’s incredible regular season ended with another early elimination in the second round. Cleveland failing again could see pressure growing stronger next season. Most teams want to trade players that will leave in free agency, so Mitchell’s once sure long-term future with the Cavaliers no longer feels nearly as certain after this news.