current location:HOME > Sports News > MMA Arena > Text content

Donovan Mitchell: 'I am happy in Cleveland.' But will he sign extension? - NBC Sports

nqajqrqw7months ago (05-18)MMA Arena321
NBA: Playoffs-Boston Celtics at Cleveland Cavaliers

May 11, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) stands on the court in the second quarter of game three of the second round of the 2024 NBA playoffs against the Boston Celtics at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

Donovan Mitchell continues to play it right down the middle.

After his Cleveland Cavaliers were eliminated from the playoffs by the Boston Celtics while Mitchell was in street clothes due to a calf strain, speculation started to swirl about his future with the team. Mitchell has one year left on his contract at $35.4 million, following that he can be a free agent. The Cavaliers will offer him a four-year, $208.5 million contract extension this summer. Whether or not he signs it changes the direction of the Cavaliers this offseason — if he does not, the team has to consider trading him rather than letting him walk for nothing in the summer of 2025.

Mitchell did what he has done all along speaking to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski — praise Cleveland but not commit to staying there (hat tip Real GM). Mitchell also pushed back on reports he grew frustrated with teammates over the course of the season.

“I reached out to Donovan Mitchell today, and he was emphatic in telling me that he is not disgruntled with anyone or anything in Cleveland. In fact, he said to me ‘I am happy in Cleveland. I’ve been happy since I arrived in Cleveland.’ He thinks this team has made progress this season... But as he said, he’s not in this to go to the second round of the Eastern Conference playoffs...

“Donovan Mitchell knows the question that is coming for him now in this offseason about his future in Cleveland. He said ‘I know I’ve got decision to make this offseason. My agent and I will talk to Cleveland about that at the right time.’

"[Mitchell] emphasized ‘I’m not leaving this season unhappy. I’m leaving it more determined.’”

Right down the middle.

Changes are coming to Cleveland, one way or another. Coach J.B. Bickerstaff’s job is in jeopardy. Depending upon Mitchell’s decision, guard Darius Garland could end up on the trade block. The Cavaliers worked better this season with one center instead of two (putting more shooting and floor spacing around Mitchell and Garland), which means Jarrett Allen could be available. It’s going to be an interesting offseason in Cleveland.

It all starts with Mitchell’s decision. While Cavaliers management has confidence he will re-sign, Mitchell’s words continue to say nothing of consequence.

“Bet the Edge” is your source for the day in betting the NBA. Get all of Jay Croucher and Drew Dinsick’s insight throughout the playoffs weekdays at 6AM ET right here or wherever you get your podcasts.”

Share with friends:

“Donovan Mitchell: 'I am happy in Cleveland.' But will he sign extension? - NBC Sports” ofrelated articles

Vasiliy Lomachenko vs. George Kambosos: Live round-by-round updates

MMA Fighting has Vasiliy Lomachenko vs. George Kambosos live round-by-round updates for Saturday’s championship bout from RAC Arena in Perth, Australi...

UFC St. Louis preview show: Will Derrick Lewis deliver another emphatic knockout?

UFC fan-favorite Derrick Lewis makes the main event walk once again this Saturday at UFC St. Louis, and does so against a surprising opponent in Rodri...

Chael Sonnen doesn’t consider himself a UFC Hall of Famer despite 2024 induction

Chael Sonnen doesn’t think he’s a true UFC Hall of Famer.At UFC 300, Sonnen received a pleasant surprise when during the main card broadcast, the prom...

NBA Best Bets for Game 6: Nuggets vs Timberwolves - NBC Sports

Jokic is playing like the MVP he is vs. Minnesota May 16, 2...

2024 NBA Playoffs Takeaways: Summer of change in Cleveland starts with Mitchell’s decision - NBC Sports

2024 NBA Playoffs Takeaways: Summer of change in Cleveland starts with Mitchell’s decision - NBC Sports

Boston, MA - May 9: Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell and head coach J. B. Bickerstaff celebrate in the fourth quarter. (Photo by Barry Chin/...

NBA Best Bets for Game 5: Jayson Tatum and Payton Prichard Props in Celtics vs Cavs - NBC Sports

Has Mitchell played his last game in Cleveland? May 14, 202...