Donovan Mitchell’s New Deal and the Cavaliers’ Future

Donovan Mitchell signed a four-year, $273 million extension with the Cleveland Cavaliers. This deal includes a full trade kicker and a player option for the 2030-31 season.

At 29 years old, Mitchell could have waited for a potential five-year, $353 million contract. However, he chose to extend on the first day he was eligible this summer.

The decision strengthens Cleveland’s intent to make Mitchell a central figure for their team. He’s an All-Star for seven consecutive seasons, with three of those in Utah before his 2022 trade to Cleveland.

Mitchell has averaged 26.7 points over four seasons with the Cavaliers, reaching 27.9 points last season, and has been part of the All-NBA team three times in four years. He expressed a need to finish business following a sweep by the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference Finals.

Before his extension, Mitchell was heading into the 2026-27 season with a guaranteed contract, followed by a 2027 player option.

The bigger question is how Mitchell’s extension affects the Cavaliers’ potential reunion with LeBron James.

LeBron James, 41, plans to leave the Los Angeles Lakers for the 2026-27 NBA season. His agent, Rich Paul, is exploring options, with Cleveland being a possible destination.

James, the NBA’s top scorer, might consider returning to Cleveland, where he contributed significantly, including winning the 2016 NBA title.

Other teams like the Philadelphia 76ers, Miami Heat, and Golden State Warriors have also been discussed.

NBA teams must manage salary caps carefully. Despite Mitchell’s extension, it’s believed not to impact Cleveland’s chance of re-signing James.

In terms of title contention, James could return without being the primary offensive strategist, leaving that role to Mitchell and Evan Mobley, with Jarrett Allen handling the defense.

The Cavaliers and James Harden, acquired last season, are reportedly working on a team-friendly deal to maintain their salary cap.

Whether James returns to Cleveland is uncertain, but Mitchell’s future in the NBA is clear. He aims to address unfinished business with the Cavaliers.