NBA rumors: Donovan Mitchell's extension depends on Cavaliers run to finals / News - Basketnews.com

Cleveland Cavaliers' push for the NBA Finals coincides with Donovan Mitchell's contract uncertainty, creating a tense backdrop as Mitchell considers his future with the team.

Credit: AP Photo/Mary Altaffer - Scanpix Credit AP Photo/Mary Altaffer - Scanpix

There's a growing buzz in NBA circles indicating that unless there's a significant push to the NBA Finals, Donovan Mitchell is likely to turn down an extension and explore other options,according to Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report.The Cleveland Cavaliers are increasingly expected to trade him well before he becomes a free agent.

Donovan Mitchell

Team:Cleveland CavaliersPosition:PG, SGAge:27Height:191 cmWeight:91 kgBirth place:United States of AmericaProfileNewsStatistics

For the Cavaliers, trading an All-Star guard this offseason isn't something they're eager to entertain. Even if Mitchell asks for a trade, Cleveland isn't obligated to comply as he's still under contract for $35.4 million in 2024-25.

However, it's almost certain that Mitchell will decline his $37.1 million player option for the 2025-26 season to become an unrestricted free agent next July. Before that, he could accept a maximum extension, which sources say the Cavaliers would be happy to offer.

This season, Mitchell has been averaging 26.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 6.0 assists while playing 35.3 minutes per game over 52 matches.

With a record of 46-31, the Cavs head into the final five-game stretch of the regular season with the third-best record in the Eastern Conference, trailing just behind the Milwaukee Bucks, who hold a one-game lead over Cleveland.

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