Koby Altman Releases Statement on Signing Donovan Mitchell to Massive Extension

Cleveland Cavaliers president of basketball operations Koby Altman released a statement on signing Donovan Mitchell to a massive extension. 

Mitchell agreed to a four-year, $273 million maximum contract extension with the Cavaliers. 

“Donovan has embodied exactly what it means to represent the Cleveland Cavaliers on and off the floor,” 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.”

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. 

Speaking of LeBron, according to Shams Charania of ESPN, Mitchell "would embrace" King James signing with the Cavaliers. LeBron, 41, is currently a free agent for the first time since the summer of 2018. He's been linked to the Cavaliers, Philadelphia 76ers, Denver Nuggets, Miami Heat, Golden State Warriors and Minnesota Timberwolves.

If LeBron signs with Cleveland, we will see a starting lineup of James Harden, Mitchell, LeBron, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen next season in Ohio. 

As we all know, LeBron is the best player in Cleveland franchise history. In two stints (2003-10, 2014-18) with the Cavaliers, LeBron averaged 27.2 points, 7.3 rebounds, 7.3 assists, 1.6 steals and 0.8 blocks per game. He won two MVPs and one Finals MVP and made 10 All-Star and 10 All-NBA teams with his hometown club.

If LeBron signs with Cleveland, don't be surprised if the Cavaliers trade for Los Angeles Lakers guard and LeBron's son, Bronny James. 

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