Mitchell stays in Cleveland.
Donovan Mitchell commits to Cavaliers with a four-year, $273 million extension.
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Key Points
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The extension will not begin until the 2027-28 season and does not affect the Cavaliers' remaining guaranteed season on Mitchell's current deal (about $50.1 million for 2026-27).
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The contract includes a player option for the 2030-31 season.
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Mitchell could have waited for a longer max extension next summer (roughly five years, around $353 million) but chose financial security and to demonstrate commitment to Cleveland.
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ESPN was the first to report the agreement, with The Athletic later confirming the details to reporters.
Donovan Mitchell agreed to a four-year, $273 million contract extension with the Cleveland Cavaliers, making it one of the richest deals in NBA history, according to Tribune Chronicle. The extension includes a $76 million player option for the 2030-31 season and a full trade kicker.
The deal does not kick in until the 2027-28 season. Mitchell still has one guaranteed year left on his current contract — worth about $50.1 million for 2026-27 — before the new money begins, according to Times Leader.
Mitchell Chose Security Over a Bigger Payday
Mitchell could have waited. Next summer, as a 10-year NBA veteran, he would have been eligible for a longer five-year max deal worth roughly $353 million. That would have been about $80 million more, according to Times Leader.
He chose not to wait. By signing now, Mitchell gets financial security and injury protection. He also sends a clear message: he wants to be in Cleveland. The deal signals stability for the Cavaliers through at least 2031.
A Historic Contract With Built-In Flexibility
The $273 million extension carries one of the highest average annual values in NBA history. The deal averages roughly $68 million per year across four seasons. It also includes a full trade kicker, which means Mitchell would receive a bonus if he is traded, according to Fox News.
The $76 million player option for 2030-31 gives Mitchell a key exit ramp. If his value rises or the league's salary cap jumps, he can opt out and sign a new deal. If he wants stability, he can stay. It is a rare piece of leverage for the player.
LeBron Return Talk Heats Up Around the Extension
Mitchell's extension immediately sparked new talk about a potential LeBron James homecoming to Cleveland, according to Head Topics. LeBron is a free agent after this season. Locking in Mitchell gives the Cavaliers a clear franchise centerpiece to build around.
But the deal also tightens Cleveland's long-term cap space. Fitting a high-salary player like LeBron alongside Mitchell's new contract would be a complex puzzle for the front office. Analysts note the Cavs have reduced their flexibility for additional max signings during that window.
Cavs Lock In Their Future Ahead of Schedule
ESPN first reported the agreement. The Athletic later confirmed the details. The speed of the deal caught some in the league off guard. Most expected Mitchell to test the market next summer rather than commit early.
Cleveland's front office framed the signing as a major win. Mitchell is seen not just as a star player but as a franchise ambassador and a key recruit for future signings, according to Eldorado News. The Cavaliers are betting he can help them build a contender — and that he will stay to see it through.
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