Donovan Mitchell Might Leave If Cavs Lose
Donovan Mitchell’s future with the Cleveland Cavaliers is uncertain, as rumors suggest he may force his way out of the team if they fail to win the championship. Mitchell played a crucial role in the Cavs’ first-round victory over the Orlando Magic, scoring 50 points in Game 6 and 39 points in Game 7. However, despite his stellar performances, the Cavs were defeated by the Boston Celtics in a blowout loss.
Concerns
One of the main concerns for Mitchell is the lack of support from his teammates. Center Jarrett Allen, the team’s second-leading scorer, has been sidelined with a rib injury since Game 4 of the Magic series. Only Darius Garland and Evan Mobley are averaging double digits in scoring for the Cavs.
The future
Mitchell’s future with the team has been a topic of discussion throughout the season, with reports suggesting he may decline his player option for 2025-26 and become an unrestricted free agent. This leaves the Cavs with a difficult decision – hold onto Mitchell and try to persuade him to sign a long-term extension or trade him to recoup assets. While Mitchell’s contract doesn’t require the Cavs to take immediate action, history has shown that players hold significant influence over their movement in the NBA. Furthermore, the Cavs’ chances of keeping Mitchell beyond this season seem slim, especially if they struggle against the Celtics.
Reports
Recent reports indicate that Mitchell may seek a way out of Cleveland if they fail to win the championship. This news could be disappointing for Cavs fans and further adds to Mitchell’s apparent discontent with his current situation. Mitchell’s impressive performances in the playoffs have only heightened his value, making him an attractive target for potential suitors through trade or free agency. The Cavs’ loss to the Celtics in Game 1 of the second round raises concerns about their ability to compete. Star player Jarrett Allen’s injury adds to their challenges. The upcoming games in the series will be crucial in determining Mitchell’s future with the team.
According to NBA insider Eric Pincus, Mitchell could potentially join the Miami Heat. Many within the NBA believe that Mitchell may force his departure from Cleveland if they don’t win the championship. Mitchell’s age and strong relationships with players like Bam Adebayo make Miami an appealing destination. In terms of contract negotiations, Mitchell has the option to sign a four-year extension worth around $200 million this offseason. However, if he declines his player option for the 2025-26 season, he will become an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2025.
