The Donovan Mitchell era could come to an end for the Cleveland Cavaliers this summer.
According to Fred Katz of The Athletic, the Cleveland Cavaliers could trade Donovan Mitchell this offseason if he doesn't sign an extension.
Under his current contract, Mitchell can hit free agency in 2027.
"If he signs it, the Cavs can move forward with him at their core," Katz wrote. "If he doesn’t, the organization will discuss the possibility of moving him, league sources said. The Cavaliers are eager not to get to that point. They love Mitchell, who will make yet another All-NBA team after another spectacular season. And there is zero evidence that Mitchell wants to be elsewhere. But such is the way of the league these days, when windows are only so long, which is why Cleveland’s window is now, when Eastern Conference favorite changes depending on who you ask."
The Cavaliers acquired Mitchell from the Utah Jazz in 2022. They haven't advanced past the second round of the playoffs since 2018.
Mitchell and Co. are under major, major pressure to go on a deep playoff run this year.
Cleveland made a blockbuster trade this year, acquiring future Hall of Famer James Harden from the Los Angeles Clippers. Harden went to the NBA Finals in 2012 with the Oklahoma City Thunder. He also went to the conference finals multiple times with the Houston Rockets.
Mitchell and Harden have a robust supporting cast, headlined by Evan Mobley, Jarrett Allen and Max Strus.
The Cavaliers face the Toronto Raptors in the first round of the playoffs. They should win that series.
However, if they don't, there will likely be big changes in Cleveland this summer.
For what it's worth, Mitchell told Sam Amick of The Athletic that he loves Cleveland.
"I love Cleveland," Mitchell said. "I've said it before: I want to play here for as long as I can. And the goal is to win — as long as we're continuing to win at the highest level. But I love it, man. It's a place that I feel like I can call home, you know what I mean? And I feel good. My fiancé feels good about it.
"But no, the Cleveland life — I love it. I'm good. Now, the basketball just has to continue to be right where it’s been. This organization has shown time and time again that they're willing to do whatever it takes, and that's what you want."
Cavaliers Roundtable also offers a fan community and message board. We’d love to have you join us to talk all things Cavaliers. Click the “Join” button at the top of the page to join our community for free.