dailyloe.com – The Cleveland Cavaliers could discuss trading star guard Donovan Mitchell this summer. This would happen if Mitchell opts not to sign a maximum contract extension. The report comes from Fred Katz of The Athletic. Mitchell is eligible for the extension this offseason.
Mitchell has stated he believes this is his best shot to win a championship. The Eastern Conference is considered wide open this postseason. The Boston Celtics are regarded by most as the favorite. Jayson Tatum is barely a month into his return from injury.
The Detroit Pistons are the top seed in the conference. The report notes Boston is not a perfect team. The same assessment applies to the New York Knicks. Making the NBA Finals is a real possibility for the fourth-seeded Cavaliers.
It is also an expectation for the team. This playoff run could be a key factor for Mitchell. His decision may hinge on the team’s postseason performance. The Cavaliers’ most important postseason since LeBron James left could be now.
Mitchell has professed his fondness for Cleveland on numerous occasions. No one can say for sure if an early playoff exit would change his mind. It might lead him to pass up hundreds of millions of dollars. He could leave a team and city he says he loves.
Fred Katz reported the Cavaliers will discuss a potential Mitchell trade. This discussion would occur if he does not sign the extension. The situation is described as potentially getting really dicey. The team wants to be ahead of the curve on a decision.
Teams are wary of letting star players reach free agency. They risk losing all leverage in trade talks. Giannis Antetokounmpo loved Milwaukee and the Bucks. Mega-stars often move on when they feel a championship window has closed.
LeBron James left the Cleveland Cavaliers twice. He was a free agent on both of those occasions. The Cavaliers have already made a short-term trade. They acquired 36-year-old James Harden by trading the 26-year-old Darius Garland.
This move gave Mitchell an older running mate. It is unclear if Cleveland will re-sign Harden this summer. The consensus is he may turn down his $42 million player option. He might seek a longer-term deal at a lower annual number.
James Harden is still considered an All-Star level player. Keeping him in Cleveland will come at a significant cost. The team also has max contracts for Evan Mobley and Donovan Mitchell. Jarrett Allen is owed $28 million.
The Cavaliers’ total payroll commitments could exceed $40 million for multiple players. Managing this salary cap is a complex challenge. The postseason outcome will heavily influence the franchise’s direction. Mitchell’s future is the central question for the team’s offseason.[]
Source: CBS Sports
