Today, Shams Charania reported that Donovan Mitchell has agreed to a four-year, $273 million maximum contract extension with the Cleveland Cavaliers. The deal includes a player option for the 2030-31 season and a full trade kicker.
So, the Cavaliers aren’t losing their franchise player anytime soon. Any lingering speculation about Mitchell eventually reaching the open market or forcing his way elsewhere can be put to rest. Cleveland has put its faith in the championship potential of its core: Mitchell, James Harden, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen. And there’s potential for bringing back their favorite son.
This summer, Harden declined his $42.3 million player option for 2026-27 to become an unrestricted free agent. He and the Cavs are actively working on a new multi-year contract that would bring him back, with expectations of a deal worth roughly $30-38 million annually, likely spanning two to three years. That would provide the team with improved salary cap flexibility while securing an extended stay in Cleveland for the soon-to-be 37-year-old. Don’t worry about Jim, he’ll still make enough to cover his monthly supply of Just For Men beard dye.
Mitchell could have waited another year to become eligible for an even richer contract, reportedly worth roughly $80 million more over five years, but instead chose to commit now, after leading Cleveland to the Eastern Conference Finals (where the Knicks swept them handily).
We remember well 2022’s Summer of Donovan, when the Knicks aggressively pursued a trade for the Utah Jazz star, a New York native, reportedly offering packages centered around RJ Barrett, Obi Toppin, Mitchell Robinson, and multiple first-round picks. Talks stalled over Utah’s high demands, including Quentin Grimes, whom New York refused to include. Mitchell landed in Cleveland instead, a move that proved to be a blessing in retrospect. You may have heard that the Knicks won the championship?
Unsurprisingly, Spida has been the franchise’s cornerstone. Over his first four seasons with the team, he has averaged 26.7 points, 5.3 assists, and 4.6 rebounds in 264 games while earning multiple All-Star selections, All-NBA honors (including First Team in 2025), and setting a Cavaliers franchise record with a 71-point, 11-assist performance. He has led Cleveland to strong regular-season finishes and multiple playoff appearances.
Go Knicks.
