Donovan Mitchell Commits To Cavaliers With $150.3M Three-Year Extension

Donovan Mitchell has agreed to a three-year, $150.3 million contract extension with the Cleveland Cavaliers, according to multiple reports. The deal, which includes a player option for the 2027-2028 season, was finalised a day after Koby Altman, the team's president of basketball operations, expressed confidence in securing Mitchell's commitment.

The structure of Mitchell's contract extension is designed to benefit both him and the Cavaliers. The three-year term allows Mitchell to become eligible for a more lucrative deal in 2027-28 when he will have 10 years of NBA service. This eligibility could enable him to sign a four-year extension worth up to 35 per cent of the salary cap, projected at $65.5 million for that season.

Mitchell was acquired by Cleveland from the Utah Jazz just before the 2022-23 season. Since joining the Cavaliers, he has made significant contributions on the court. In the 2023-24 season, he led the team with an average of 26.6 points per game and achieved career highs in assists (6.1), rebounds (5.1), and steals (1.84).

Despite his impressive performance, Mitchell's season was marred by injuries. A left knee injury limited him to 55 games during the regular season, and a left calf strain caused him to miss Cleveland's final two playoff games. The Cavaliers were ultimately eliminated by the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference semi-finals.

In his seven professional seasons, Mitchell has averaged 24.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game. His playoff performances have also been noteworthy; in his last five playoff games before his injury, he averaged 36.8 points on 51.9 per cent shooting, along with 6.4 rebounds and five assists.

Cavaliers' Coaching Changes

A week after their playoff exit, Cleveland made significant changes to their coaching staff by firing J.B. Bickerstaff and hiring Kenny Atkinson as his replacement on June 24.

Altman highlighted Mitchell's positive attitude towards Cleveland, stating that he is "very, very much pro-Cleveland." This sentiment was echoed by Mitchell himself, who had previously expressed his happiness with the team.

The Cavaliers are optimistic about their future with Mitchell leading them on the court and Atkinson guiding them from the sidelines.