Donovan Mitchell Stands by Long-Term Commitment to Cleveland Despite 6-7 Start

Donovan Mitchell committed to the Cleveland Cavaliers through 2031 because he believes in the team, even as Cleveland has opened the season 6-7, Jamal Collier of ESPN reported.

The seven-time All-Star agreed in July to a four-year, $273 million extension with a player option for 2030-31. He signed on his first eligible day, passing up an extra $80 million he could have earned by waiting until next summer.

"In the moment it kind of leaves a sour taste in your mouth," Mitchell said. "But as you sit ... you have to realize, OK, you've done something you haven't done before. OK. Now that's great, but I wouldn't call it an accomplishment."

The New York Knicks swept Cleveland in the Eastern Conference Finals, ending the team's deepest run without LeBron James in 34 years.

The Cavaliers had beaten the Toronto Raptors in seven games in the first round. Cleveland then won Game 7 on the road against the top-seeded Detroit Pistons.

James chose the Philadelphia 76ers over a return to Cleveland during the offseason.

The Cavaliers re-signed former MVP James Harden, 37, to a three-year contract after acquiring him at the February trade deadline. Cleveland also kept forward Evan Mobley and added wing Peyton Watson as a fifth starter.

"When doubt lingers in an organization, it's not great," coach Kenny Atkinson said. "Everybody's just unsettled. So, the fact that Don locked it up, that was huge."

Cleveland's starting lineup holds a minus-12.0 net rating through the first 12 games of the season.

Mitchell is averaging 22.8 points, 5.5 assists and 5.0 rebounds per game while shooting 37.6% from 3-point range.

Mitchell heard jokes at his summer basketball camp in Greenwich, Connecticut, about a remark Atkinson made during the series. Before Game 4, Atkinson said the Cavaliers were "analytically winning the series," citing expected shot metrics.

"You get swept and you look the way we looked, there's criticism and the jokes come with it," Mitchell said. "We all laugh at it, but at the same time it's like, all right, bet. Time's going to come."

Cleveland lost a 29-point lead in its opener against the 76ers and nearly let a 22-point lead slip against the Brooklyn Nets.

"All their questions will be answered in the playoffs," an Eastern Conference executive said. "But it feels like they have the same issues that have plagued them for years."

The Cavaliers are 6-7 after losing to the Miami Heat on Friday. This team doesn't look like a title contender. 

Sorry, Mitchell.