After LeBron James did not consider coming home for the second time, Donovan Mitchell is all geared up to lead the Cleveland Cavaliers next 2026-27 NBA season.
Amid reports surrounding James' decision not to entertain a Cleveland homecoming, Mitchell stands steadfast and motivated to play and maintain his standing as the Cavaliers' franchise centerpiece.
"Folks within LeBron's camp were stunned that Donovan Mitchell actually was still in Cleveland. And there was a belief process from folks that I've spoken with that if Darius Garland had stayed and not been traded for James Harden, and had Evan Mobley still been there, and had Donovan Mitchell not been there, that LeBron would have considered it," NBA reporter Brandon Robinson said on “The Good Shepard” show.
"And I will just tell you that I did talk to Donovan two days ago. I called him, and I think he's on vacation, but I do know that we did speak via text. And I'll just say that he's not bothered by it. And I think Donovan Mitchell is very motivated to have a very good season this coming season, and it doesn't bother him that those reports were coming out."
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Donovan Mitchell "very motivated" to lead Cavaliers next season after LeBron James 76ers decision
Like the Miami Heat, Golden State Warriors, and Minnesota Timberwolves, the Cleveland Cavaliers also fell short in their pursuit of LeBron James this offseason, as the 41-year-old superstar signed with the Philadelphia 76ers on a two-year, $8 million deal.
The Cavs were heavily favored to win the LeBron sweepstakes, considering the fairy-tale narrative surrounding a potential second reunion with their franchise icon. But in the end, James chose to go to Philly and be with a stacked 76ers team that already features Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe and Jaylen Brown.
Reports indicate that James was discouraged from returning to Cleveland because Darius Garland was no longer with the team after being traded to the LA Clippers for James Harden at the 2025–26 trade deadline.
Although Donovan Mitchell and Harden both made efforts to recruit him, James eventually decided to join the 76ers, largely influenced by Maxey and their shared ties with Klutch Sports.
As such, Mitchell is compelled to move forward and continue embracing his role as the leader of the Cavs. Fresh from guiding Cleveland to its first-ever Conference Finals appearance since 2018, Mitchell inked a four-year, $273 million max contract extension to lock in his commitment with the franchise.
"And if unbothered as a person, it would definitely be Donovan Mitchell," Robinson added.
"One thing I will say about his time in Cleveland, having spent significant time in Cleveland this past season, Donovan Mitchell is the epitome of Cleveland. He's not from there, and he spends a lot of time there."