Cleveland Cavaliers shooting guard Donovan Mitchell was asked for his reaction to team owner Dan Gilbert expressing confidence that the team would sign the five-time All-Star to a contract extension. I didn't make it hard.
Gilbert made the comments to The Associated Press' Larry Rage on Thursday.
“We've certainly had discussions with him over the last few years about this contract extension,” Gilbert said. “We think he'll extend it. Listening to him, I think he loves this city.
“He likes the situation in Cleveland because our players are very young and we're just putting together a core where he's obviously the biggest part.”
Mitchell, 27, is averaging 27.1 points, 6.1 assists and 5.3 rebounds per game. He is currently under contract until next season with a player option for the 2025-26 season.
Raji said Mitchell is eligible for a four-year, $200 million contract extension with the Cavs.
Of course, if he doesn't accept the contract extension offer, the trade chatter will increase exponentially. Cleveland can't afford to lose Mitchell for nothing if he declines his player option and becomes a free agent in 2025.
Trade rumors and speculation are already rampant as they are.
Jovan Buha of The Athletic reported in February that the Lakers would like to add another star player, listing Mitchell and Atlanta Hawks guard Trey as “potential trade targets” this offseason.・Young reportedly mentioned the name of Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving.
Last December, ESPN's Brian Windhorst said on the Hoop Collective podcast (with Inside the Nets' Peter Sundzik) that the New York Knicks and Brooklyn Nets were candidates if Mitchell became available. Regarding joining, he said:
“I would say the Knicks and Nets are riding that momentum,” he said. “I think these two teams have a chance to re-sign Donovan. I think it could be interesting if it becomes a bidding war.”
Naturally, there will be a lot of interest in the game's top guards, especially those in their prime.
For now, Mitchell is focused on the present as he prepares to return after missing six games with a broken nose. He returned on Friday and had 12 points and eight assists in a 117-114 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers, vaulting his team into third place in the Eastern Conference.
