Donovan Mitchell Considers Extension Deal

Donovan Mitchell can turn down a $53.8 million player option and become a free agent after this season.

He has the option to take the money now and commit to the Cleveland Cavaliers.

The Cavaliers would love to keep him, and a max extension would kick in for 2027-28, paying him a projected $272 million over four years.

If Mitchell were to turn down the extension, Cleveland would be in a bind, and they couldn't risk losing him for nothing next summer.

The Cavaliers flipped Darius Garland for James Harden midseason to get healthier in the short term while also smoothing over some of their financial issues.

Harden just declined his player option and could re-sign on a two-year deal that earns him more guaranteed money and a lower salary in 2026-27.

The Cavaliers need Mitchell, who has only praised the organization, to return to the fray, too.

A few months ago, it was reported that if Mitchell were to turn down the extension, then the Cavaliers would discuss the possibility of trading him.

Donovan Mitchell has been the leader of the squad, and his decision will impact the team's roster and payroll.

The Cavaliers have issues to address, ones about a roster that got swept out of the Eastern Conference finals and ones about long-term payroll.

Both begin with a decision from Mitchell, and the Cavaliers are waiting to see what he will do.

The NBA's current governing rules make it less likely for players to wait until their contracts expire to sign new ones.

Teams these days are often without cap space, and ones that have room usually prefer to fill it via trades, with large, unwanted contracts that come with sweeteners, such as juicy draft picks or enticing young players.

Entering free agency and inking a plush deal with a different franchise is not so easy.