NBA Insider Thinks Donovan Mitchell’s Influence On Cavaliers Might Be Stronger Than LeBron James’ On Lakers

NBA insider Brian Windhorst of ESPN thinks Donovan Mitchell‘s influence on the Cleveland Cavaliers might be stronger than LeBron James‘ on the Los Angeles Lakers.

Mitchell can sign a four-year, $208 million extension this summer. He is under contract for next season and has a $37 million player option for 2025-26.

The Cavaliers fired JB Bickerstaff in an effort to keep Mitchell. They may also retool the roster this offseason to keep Mitchell happy after losing in the second round of this year’s playoffs to the Boston Celtics in five games.

“Donovan’s position with the Cavs right now is potentially as powerful as any team with any star player,” Windhorst said. “With possible trades coming, with the type of contract he’s going to get offered. With the coaching position open. What Donovan has with the Cavs is what LeBron has with the Lakers. In fact, it might even be stronger because the Lakers have another superstar player on their roster. And LeBron’s about to turn 40. Donovan is entering his prime.”

Mitchell averaged 26.6 points, 5.1 rebounds and 6.1 assists this season while shooting 46.2% from the field, 36.8% from beyond the arc and 86.5% from the free-throw line.

If Mitchell becomes a free agent in 2025, he is eligible to sign for a max of five years and $269.9 million with the team that holds his Bird rights (the Cavaliers now) or four years, $200.1 million with a new team.

If Mitchell doesn’t sign an extension with the Cavaliers this offseason, the thought is that Cleveland will look to trade him before free agency in the summer of 2025.

The Lakers, Miami Heat, Brooklyn Nets, New Orleans Pelicans and Philadelphia 76ers would attempt to acquire Mitchell if the All-Star didn’t extend with the Cavaliers, sources told Hoops Wire.

Mitchell has career NBA averages of 24.8 points, 4.3 rebounds and 4.6 assists with the Utah Jazz and Cavaliers. He scored a career-high 71 points last season against the Chicago Bulls.