According to NBA insider Brian Windhorst of ESPN, Donovan Mitchell may have a greater impact on the Cleveland Cavaliers than LeBron James has on the Los Angeles Lakers. Mitchell is under contract for the upcoming season and has a $37 million player option for 2025–2026. The Cavaliers fired JB Bickerstaff in an attempt to retain Mitchell, and they may also make changes to the roster this offseason in an effort to keep him happy following their five-game loss to the Boston Celtics in the second round of this year’s playoffs.
“Donovan’s position with the Cavs right now is potentially as powerful as any team with any star player,” Windhorst said. “With possible trades coming, with the type of contract he’s going to get offered. With the coaching position open. What Donovan has with the Cavs is what LeBron has with the Lakers. In fact, it might even be stronger because the Lakers have another superstar player on their roster. And LeBron’s about to turn 40. Donovan is entering his prime.”
Mitchell averaged 26.6 points, 5.1 rebounds and 6.1 assists this season while shooting 46.2% from the field, 36.8% from beyond the arc and 86.5% from the free-throw line.
If Mitchell becomes a free agent in 2025, he is eligible to sign for a max of five years and $269.9 million with the team that holds his Bird rights (the Cavaliers now) or four years, $200.1 million with a new team.
If Mitchell doesn’t sign an extension with the Cavaliers this offseason, the thought is that Cleveland will look to trade him before free agency in the summer of 2025.
The Lakers, Miami Heat, Brooklyn Nets, New Orleans Pelicans and Philadelphia 76ers would attempt to acquire Mitchell if the All-Star didn’t extend with the Cavaliers, sources told Hoops Wire.
Mitchell has career NBA averages of 24.8 points, 4.3 rebounds and 4.6 assists with the Utah Jazz and Cavaliers. He scored a career-high 71 points last season against the Chicago Bulls.
Leave a Reply