CLEVELAND (AP) — Donovan Mitchell isn’t taking his skills wherever. Not but, anyway.
The five-time All-Star guard has agreed to a three-year, $150.3 million contract extension with the Cleveland Cavaliers, an individual acquainted with the choice instructed The Related Press on Tuesday.
Mitchell’s option to decide to the Cavaliers had been anticipated for a while. Nonetheless, there was loads of nervousness inside Cleveland’s fanbase, which can not neglect LeBron James leaving the franchise as a free agent in 2010 for Miami.
The 27-year-old Mitchell spent a lot of this previous season saying he’s glad enjoying with Cleveland, which acquired him in a 2022 commerce from Utah. The Cavs have made the playoffs in each seasons with Mitchell, one of many league’s greatest all-around guards.
He agreed to the extension in Los Angeles over the weekend, in keeping with the particular person, who spoke to the AP on situation of anonymity as a result of the NBA prohibits offers from being introduced till its moratorium ends on Saturday. ESPN was first to report Mitchell’s settlement.
The extension features a $54 million participant choice for the 2027-28 season, the particular person mentioned. Mitchell was underneath contract for yet one more season. Technically, Mitchell’s new deal means he can change into a free agent in three years, elevating the Cavs’ urgency to compete for a title.
The brand new deal additionally permits Mitchell to achieve a 10-year standards, making him eligible for a subsequent extension price $380 million.
Shortly after phrase of Mitchell’s extension emerged, he posted a video on social media from the movie “The Wolf of Wall Avenue” during which actor Leonardo DiCaprio profanely broadcasts to his colleagues, “I’m not leaving.”
Mitchell additionally went on Instagram to reiterate his dedication to Cleveland with a video of him driving and discussing his extension.
“All 12 months I’ve been saying the identical (stuff),” Mitchell mentioned whereas driving. “I’m saying how a lot I prefer it daily. It’s like, ‘Oh, he going to do that. He going to try this.’ I don’t get it. I don’t perceive it. I feel it’s hilarious.
“It’s what it’s, however I’m glad I received this (stuff) completed, man. Glad I received this (stuff) completed in Cleveland. Now to get centered. You already know what I’m saying? Let’s get to it.”
Mitchell was in LA internet hosting his “Spida Elite” basketball camp for among the nation’s high highschool guards. He was visited by Cavs president of basketball operations Koby Altman and Cavs coach Kenny Atkinson, who was formally launched by the workforce at a information convention on Monday.
Atkinson, who was Golden State’s high assistant the previous three seasons, mentioned he and Mitchell chatted principally about household throughout their time collectively. Altman mentioned Mitchell reaffirmed his dedication to the Cavs.
“We be ok with Donovan,” Altman mentioned Monday. “He’s in an awesome area mentally. He’s wholesome. Actually loved the truth that him and Kenny might sit down and speak in regards to the future, speak in regards to the workforce.
“He’s invested. He’s actually invested in what we’re doing. Hopefully quickly we’ll have extra of a decisive reply on that for you, however he’s been nice. He’s been tremendous concerned and tremendous collaborative and really, very a lot pro-Cleveland.”
The Cavs’ daring transfer — they traded three unprotected first-round picks, ahead Lauri Markkanen and guard Collin Sexton to Utah — to get Mitchell two years in the past was a shock.
It appeared he was on his solution to play for his hometown New York Knicks earlier than Cleveland swooped in. Mitchell’s arrival accelerated the Cavs’ rebuild, which started when James left as a free agent for the second time in 2018 for the Lakers.
Mitchell averaged 26.6 factors, 6.1 assists and 5.1 rebounds this previous season, however he was restricted to only 55 video games due to a left knee damage. Mitchell was slowed by the damage within the playoffs and pushed via earlier than sitting out Cleveland’s last two video games within the Jap Convention semifinals with a calf damage.
The Cavs have been eradicated in 5 video games by the eventual champion Boston Celtics and fired coach J.B. Bickerstaff per week later.
In two seasons with Cleveland, Mitchell has averaged 27.5 factors, 5.2 assists and 4.6 rebounds. He scored a career-high 71 in his first season in a recreation towards Chicago.
Atkinson understands his cost is to get probably the most out of Cleveland’s “Core 4” of gamers — Mitchell, guard Darius Garland, ahead Evan Mobley and middle Jarrett Allen. He additionally believes there’s one other stage to Mitchell’s recreation and needs to make him one of many league’s high 5 gamers.
“Why not?” Atkinson mentioned. “With the talent stage and the athleticism and the human being, I don’t see why we are able to’t.”
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