All-Star shooting guard Donovan Mitchell has been playing his best basketball since joining the Cleveland Cavaliers in a trade from the Utah Jazz in 2022. But despite this, Mitchell is not sure whether his long-term future lies with the franchise.
During an interview with reporters earlier this week, Mitchell was asked whether he intends to sign an extension with the Cavs, considering he will enter the last year of his contract in 2024-25. He was non-committal, saying that he prefers to focus on other things and that he’ll “handle that” when the time comes.
“I’ve got a lot of things to focus on outside of that right now. I’ve got to focus on myself, getting back for this group, focus on us getting over this stretch, continuing to be ready when it comes time,” Mitchell said. “So, I’ll handle that when it comes. I understand you gotta ask that question, and I’ll give you the same answer.”
On the other hand, the Cavaliers seem optimistic about their chances of keeping Mitchell with the franchise for years to come. Cavs owner Dan Gilbert recently said that the franchise has already been talking with Mitchell about a new deal and that they believe he will remain in Cleveland.
“We think he will extend. I think if you listen to him talk, he loves the city,” said Gilbert via Associated Press.
Mitchell has a player option for 2025-26 but is likely to decline it considering he can make much more money if he signs an extension or tests the free agency. He is averaging 27.1 points and career-highs in rebounds (5.3) and assists (6.1) this season.
