The Cleveland Cavaliers are prepared to trade Donovan Mitchell if he does not agree to a contract extension this summer, according to recent reports by a pair of insiders.
Cleveland.com’s Terry Pluto and longtime NBA insider Marc Stein reported that the Cavaliers will trade Mitchell before next season if he declines an extension worth up to four years, $208 million. “They have zero intention of opening the 2024-25 season with Mitchell heading into his free agent year,” wrote Stein.
From Pluto: “I’ve been told the Cavs either would sign him to an extension this summer, or trade him. They have zero intention of opening the 2024-25 season with Mitchell heading into his free agent year.”
But the Cavaliers remain confident they can re-sign Mitchell when they are allowed to begin contract negotiations after the Finals.
Cavs GM Koby Altman told reporters at a Friday news conference that they are optimistic they will get a long-term commitment from Mitchell. According to Stein, Cleveland’s decision to fire former coach J.B. Bickerstaff was motivated that it would improve their chances of retaining Mitchell.
[Related: Reported Cavs’ ask in Donovan Mitchell trade could be hard for Heat fans to accept]
So what does this mean?
While this isn’t necessarily huge news indicating whether Mitchell will be playing for the Cavaliers or another team next season, it does seem to eliminate the scenario in which the Cavs would refuse to trade him and opt to let him play out his contract.
We should know soon after the Finals (when both sides can begin negotiations on an extension) if Mitchell will be available and if the Miami Heat have a chance to land the five-time All-Star.
The Heat, along with the Brooklyn Nets and Los Angeles Lakers, are among the teams expected to pursue Mitchell if the Cavaliers make him available.
The Heat have young players like Tyler Herro, Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Nikola Jovic and up to three first-round picks available to trade.
3 Trade scenarios that could bring Donovan Mitchell to the Miami Heat. dark. Next. more
