The Cleveland Cavaliers were made to feel like it's Donovan Mitchell's team for the long haul recently, but does the All-Star guard see it the same way?
NBA Insider Tim Bontemps dropped a critical contract update on Mitchell on Tuesday morning, suggesting that the 2026 offseason could be a critical time for Mitchell's future. Although he's under contract for one more year in Cleveland beyond this season, Bontemps hints that the direction of the Cavs will dictate whether Mitchell sticks around long-term or considers a second team change in his career.
"The Cavaliers know they are facing a huge decision this summer, one year before Mitchell can become a free agent in the 2027 offseason," Bontemps wrote at ESPN this week.
"If the Cavaliers again exit in the first or second round — as Mitchell has in each of his first eight seasons — will he be willing to commit to another extension in Cleveland? That seems unlikely. No one is more aware of that than the Cavaliers, who have already made one deal and are clearly interested in making more between now and Thursday afternoon."
Operation Keep Mitchell in Town
Clearly, the Cavaliers don't view their star guard as the primary reason behind their postseason shortcomings since he's been around. It seems the Cavaliers are doing all they can to keep Mitchell around. Over the weekend, they made a notable trade that doesn't necessarily qualify as a blockbuster deal.
But the blockbuster just might be in the works. On Monday night, it was reported that the Cavaliers and the Los Angeles Clippers have been talking shop. A deal including Mitchell's current co-star, Darius Garland, could help the Cavs net the 11-time All-Star, James Harden.
Recently, Harden quietly pushed for a trade out of LA. Multiple teams have expressed interest, but the Cavaliers seem to be the favorites to land him at this time. If that deal comes to life, it could make or break Mitchell's future in Ohio.
Since arriving in Cleveland in 2022, Mitchell has played four full seasons. Amid his fifth, he has 47 games played, posting averages of 28.8 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 5.8 assists. Last year, Mitchell put together a strong showing in the NBA Playoffs with 29.6 points per game, on 33 percent shooting from deep. Unfortunately, the Cavs were stopped short of the Eastern Conference Finals once again.
A lot can happen with the roster between Tuesday morning and Thursday afternoon. The Cavaliers are expected to remain aggressive, and no matter what happens, they'll have all eyes on them in the spring as their upcoming playoff run could be critical for the seven-time All-Star's future.
Newsweek