DHJ Quick Take
- Trade Contingency: The Cleveland Cavaliers will reportedly consider trading Donovan Mitchell this summer if he chooses not to sign a long-term contract extension.
- Contract Status: While Mitchell is technically under contract through 2027, he can opt out and become a free agent that summer, making this offseason a critical window for the team to secure his future.
- Strategic Precaution: The organization aims to avoid losing its All-Star guard for nothing in free agency, prioritizing a trade while his market value remains high if a new deal isn’t reached.
According to The Athletic’s Fred Katz, the Cleveland Cavaliers are prepared to explore trade scenarios for Donovan Mitchell this offseason should the All-Star guard decline a contract extension.
Under his current contract, Mitchell can hit free agency in 2027.
“If he signs it, the Cavs can move forward with him at their core,” Katz wrote. “If he doesn’t, the organization will discuss the possibility of moving him, league sources said. The Cavaliers are eager not to get to that point. They love Mitchell, who will make yet another All-NBA team after another spectacular season. And there is zero evidence that Mitchell wants to be elsewhere. But such is the way of the league these days, when windows are only so long, which is why Cleveland’s window is now, when Eastern Conference favorite changes depending on who you ask.”
The Cavaliers acquired Mitchell from the Utah Jazz in 2022. They haven’t advanced past the second round of the playoffs with the Louisville product leading the way. Mitchell is under major, major pressure to go on a deep playoff run this year.
Cleveland made a blockbuster trade in February to help Mitchell, acquiring future Hall of Famer and 2018 MVP James Harden from the Los Angeles Clippers. Harden went to the NBA Finals in 2012 with the Oklahoma City Thunder. He also reached the conference finals twice with the Houston Rockets, losing to the Golden State Warriors on both occasions.
Mitchell and Harden have a strong supporting cast, headlined by Evan Mobley, Jarrett Allen and Max Strus. The Cavaliers face the Toronto Raptors in the first round of the 2026 playoffs. They should win that series.
Before Katz’s report came out, Mitchell told Sam Amick of The Athletic that he loves playing for the Cavaliers and living in Cleveland.
“I love Cleveland,” Mitchell said. “I’ve said it before: I want to play here for as long as I can. And the goal is to win — as long as we’re continuing to win at the highest level. But I love it, man. It’s a place that I feel like I can call home, you know what I mean? And I feel good. My fiancé feels good about it.
“But no, the Cleveland life — I love it. I’m good. Now, the basketball just has to continue to be right where it’s been. This organization has shown time and time again that they’re willing to do whatever it takes, and that’s what you want.”
It will be fascinating to see how far the Cavaliers go in the 2026 playoffs and if Mitchell signs an extension with the Wine and Gold this offseason. Mitchell averaged 27.9 points per game this season. He was seventh in the NBA in points per game and sixth in total points (1,952).
Latest NBA News & Rumors At Dallas Hoops Journal
- Luka Dončić Enjoys Playing With LeBron James; Lakers, Cavaliers, Warriors Interested In The King
- Ja Morant Told Players, Former Coaches He’s Done Playing For Memphis Grizzlies
- Los Angeles Lakers’ Luka Dončić Reacts To Being Eligible For End-Of-Season Awards: ‘I Am Grateful’
- NBA Trade Proposal: Dallas Mavericks Send Kyrie Irving To Minnesota Timberwolves In 3-Team Offseason Blockbuster
- Luka Dončić, Austin Reaves Remain Out Indefinitely For Los Angeles Lakers
- LeBron James, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Kawhi Leonard Could All Be On New Teams Next Season
