Cavaliers aim to secure Donovan Mitchell with new extension
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President of basketball operations Koby Altman said Friday that the Cleveland Cavaliers will prioritize a contract extension for Donovan Mitchell when the All-Star guard becomes eligible on July 7.
“Donovan is our guy,” Altman told reporters during the team’s season-ending news conference. “He’s elevated everything about this franchise and this organization.”
The 29-year-old has one guaranteed season left at $50.1 million, plus a $53.8 million player option for 2027-28. On July 7, Cleveland can offer a four-year deal worth up to $272 million. Waiting until next summer would qualify Mitchell, a projected 10-year veteran, for a five-year supermax contract estimated around $350 million and additional benefits such as a no-trade clause.
Altman declined to say whether the club will present an offer the first day it is allowed, stressing instead that Mitchell has repeatedly affirmed his desire to stay in Cleveland. “When we have a superstar of his caliber that wants to be in Cleveland, that’s our best ambassador, that’s our best recruiter,” he said.
Mitchell echoed that sentiment Monday after the Cavaliers’ playoff exit, telling reporters, “I love it here,” and voicing confidence in the organization’s championship ambitions.
Cleveland traded for Mitchell in 2022 and has since concentrated on building a contender around him. He earned Second-Team All-NBA honors this season, averaging 27.9 points, 4.5 rebounds and 5.7 assists in 70 games while reaching his seventh consecutive All-Star Game. The Cavaliers advanced to the Eastern Conference finals for the first time since 2018.
“Eight long years to get back here,” Altman said, noting that the team missed the playoffs in the four seasons before acquiring Mitchell and has qualified in all four seasons with him. “We’re getting him at his peak right now and we hope that that continues.”
Source: Hoops Rumors
