ESPN Explains Why Cavaliers' Donovan Mitchell Extension 'Deserves More Scrutiny'

ESPN's Ben Golliver believes Donovan Mitchell's extension with the Cleveland Cavaliers "deserves more scrutiny."

Mitchell signed a four-year, $273 million maximum contract extension this offseason. 

"But the size of Mitchell's new contract probably deserves more scrutiny than it has received," Golliver wrote. "The seven-time All-Star is set to earn more than $60 million in 2027-28. By comparison, Knicks guard Jalen Brunson, a more accomplished player, will earn $40.5 million.

"Mitchell is currently on pace to be a top-10 earner once his new extension kicks in, but his deal will run through his age-34 season. Shouldn't his $75.5 million player option for the 2030-31 season make the Cavaliers a little squeamish?

"If Mitchell were a better defender or an elite playmaker for his teammates, these numbers might be easier to stomach. As it stands, Cleveland's decision to pay him top dollar feels a bit ominous."

The Cavaliers acquired Mitchell from the Utah Jazz in 2022. Mitchell is averaging 26.7 points per game in the regular season and 27.3 points per game in the playoffs in a Cleveland uniform.   

A seven-time All-Star, Mitchell led the Cavaliers to the Eastern Conference Finals last season. It was the first time Cleveland made the conference finals since 1992 without LeBron James. 

The New York Knicks swept Mitchell and the Cavaliers in the conference finals, but Cleveland's front office remained loyal to Mitchell by giving him the huge extension. 

“Donovan has embodied exactly what it means to represent the Cleveland Cavaliers on and off the floor,” president of basketball operations Koby Altman said, via Cavaliers.com. “From day one, he embraced this organization, our fans, and our community. Through SPIDACARES and his work with the team, he’s made a lasting impact on this city that reaches far beyond basketball. He’s been clear in his desire to be here, and that speaks volumes about who he is. His leadership, competitive fire and professionalism have helped define our culture and the standard for wearing a Cavaliers uniform. Securing Donovan long term reflects our shared vision and our commitment to building toward another NBA championship in Cleveland.”  

Mitchell enters next season with career averages of 25.1 points per game in the regular season and 27.8 points per game in the playoffs with the Jazz and Cavaliers. 

Cleveland will start James Harden, Mitchell, Peyton Watson, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen next season. 

The Cavaliers begin next season against LeBron and the 76ers in Philadelphia.

That will be an electric atmosphere.