Cavs and Donovan Mitchell Reach 3-Year, $150.3M Max Extension Agreement
The Cleveland Cavaliers have finalized a significant contract extension with guard Donovan Mitchell, sources confirmed to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski. Mitchell's new deal, valued at $150.3 million over three years, supersedes his previous $37 million player option for the 2025-26 season. This extension will span until the 2027-28 season, with Mitchell holding a player option for its final year.
This agreement marks Mitchell's commitment through 2027-28, positioning him to potentially negotiate a contract reflecting up to 35% of the cap in its first year, given his decade-long tenure by then.
Had they not reached a long-term agreement, Mitchell would have likely faced unrestricted free agency next summer, prompting the organization to possibly explore offseason trades to mitigate the risk of losing the five-time All-Star without compensation. However, Mitchell expressed confidence in the front office's strategy to elevate the team into championship contention.
During the previous season, Mitchell led the Cavaliers in scoring with 26.6 points per game, a significant margin ahead of Darius Garland's 18 points per game. He also contributed 6.1 assists and was the team's third-leading rebounder with 5.1 boards per game. His inaugural season in Cleveland following a trade from the Utah Jazz saw Mitchell achieve a career-high average of 28.3 points.
Mitchell's season was interrupted by a left knee bone bruise, limiting him to just 11 regular-season appearances after the All-Star break. Despite this, he returned in robust form for the playoffs, scoring 30 points in the first game against the Orlando Magic and maintaining an average of 28.7 points throughout the seven-game first-round series. However, a calf injury sidelined him for the final two games against the Boston Celtics, contributing to the Cavaliers' five-game series loss.
