According to a source from an Eastern Conference executive, Donovan Mitchell is expected to part ways with the Cleveland Cavaliers once his current contract expires.
Mitchell holds a player option valued at $37 million for the 2025-26 NBA season, granting him the possibility of becoming an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2025 should he choose to decline this option.
“There’s no doubt he’s leaving once his contract ends.”
The Cavaliers secured Mitchell’s services in September 2022 after a trade with the Utah Jazz. Initially, Mitchell anticipated a move to the New York Knicks; however, the Jazz instead traded him to Cleveland in exchange for Ochai Agbaji, Lauri Markkanen, Collin Sexton, and a collection of draft picks.
During the previous season, Mitchell played a pivotal role in leading the Cavaliers to 51 victories. Nevertheless, Cleveland faced defeat at the hands of the Knicks in the first round of the 2023 playoffs, succumbing in five games.
As of now, the Cavaliers boast a record of 35 wins and 17 losses for the current season, positioning them in second place within the Eastern Conference standings.
Mitchell, at the age of 27, has been showcasing impressive statistics this season, averaging 28.3 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 6.3 assists per game, with shooting percentages of 47.5% from the field, 36.3% from beyond the arc, and 86.2% from the free-throw line. His performance ranks him 17th in the NBA for total points and fourth in points per game.
Having inked a five-year, $163 million extension with the Jazz in November 2020, Mitchell is currently earning $32.6 million this season and is slated to receive $34.8 million in the 2024-25 season.
Should the Cavaliers fail to make significant strides in the playoffs this year, speculation surrounding Donovan Mitchell’s desire to depart from Cleveland is likely to intensify.
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