Cavs' Dan Gilbert 'Confident' Donovan Mitchell Will Sign Contract Extension

Cleveland Cavaliers governor Dan Gilbert doesn't think Donovan Mitchell is going anywhere.

Gilbert told Tom Withers of the Associated Press that he's confident Mitchell will sign a long-term extension with the franchise this offseason.

"We've been talking to him, sure, for the last couple of years about extending this contract," Gilbert said. "We think he will extend. I think if you listen to him talk, he loves the city.

"He loves the situation in Cleveland because our players are very young and we're just kind of putting the core together that he's clearly the biggest part of."

Mitchell is under contract through the 2024-25 season and has a player option for 2025-26. He's almost certain to decline that $37.1 million option in favor of a long-term deal that would pay him well over $50 million per season. Cleveland could offer Mitchell an extension worth around $200 million this summer.

If Mitchell does not sign a new deal, the Cavs would almost certainly have to explore trading their All-Star guard. Mitchell would be one of the most sought-after free agents in the 2025 class and has been open about Cleveland not being his first choice when he sought a trade from the Utah Jazz in 2022.

The Miami Heat and New York Knicks, who were linked to Mitchell two years ago, would be natural suitors if he hits the open market.

Before the 2023-24 season, Mitchell told reporters he did not plan on signing an extension during this season and would revisit the idea this coming summer. He's averaging 27.4 points, 5.3 rebounds and 6.1 assists per game but has been limited to 49 appearances due to injuries.

The inconsistent availability of Mitchell, Dariud Garland and Evan Mobley has prevented Cleveland from competing for a top seed in the Eastern Conference. The Cavs have fallen behind the New York Knicks for the No. 3 seed in the East after losing seven of their last 10 games.