Nobody knows if Donovan Mitchell is willing to stay in Cleveland because rumors about his future have been widespread since the Cavaliers’ exit in the second round of the playoffs this year. With the shooting guard missing Game 4 and 5 against the Boston Celtics, the Cavaliers fell in five games. Even with the disappointing end to the season, Mitchell had a terrific year by making the All-Star Team posting 26.6 points per game in the regular season and averaging 29.6 points per game in the playoffs.
Mitchell could be looking to play in a big market or perhaps play for a team of his choosing, but we propose five reasons why it might be in the shooting guard’s interest to remain with the Cleveland Cavaliers for the foreseeable future and sign an extension beyond the 2024-25 campaign.
1. Build A Legacy In Cleveland To Compete With LeBron James
LeBron James is unequivocally the greatest player in Cleveland Cavaliers history, leading the team to its first and only NBA title in 2016 after an unprecedented comeback from a 3-1 deficit in the Finals. Many Cavaliers fans believe such success may never be replicated but Donovan Mitchell has the unique opportunity to alter this perception. By leading the Cavaliers to the Finals, he can elevate his legacy significantly and potentially rival LeBron’s storied tenure. As the franchise eagerly seeks another hero, Mitchell can become the next cornerstone, creating his own legacy in a city starving for more basketball glory.
Mitchell’s best chance to achieve all-time greatness is with a franchise like Cleveland, which is hungry for success. Leading a historically underachieving team to consistent playoff appearances and possibly another championship would cement his status as a legend. The narrative of turning around a franchise and leading it to new heights would resonate deeply within the NBA community and among fans. So far, Mitchell has led the Cavaliers to two straight playoff appearances with a second-round appearance in only his second season.
2. Exciting Core That Could Be A Superteam One Day
The Cleveland Cavaliers boast an impressive young core with Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen, each possessing All-Star potential. Garland and Allen have already earned All-Star selections, showcasing their talent and growth. This formidable Big Four, with an upgrade at the swingman position, could transform into a title-contending superteam in the Eastern Conference. With the right moves, such as trading Caris LeVert and Max Strus for a more impactful wing player, the Cavaliers could become favorites to clinch the Eastern title.
Not many teams have the exciting, youthful talent that the Cavaliers do. Despite injuries to key players like Allen and Mitchell, they managed to reach the second round of the playoffs this year, highlighting their resilience and potential. The future is bright for this squad, and Mitchell, as the team’s leader, would be at the center of this transformation. Staying with Cleveland means being part of a journey from promising contenders to championship favorites because the team ranked 7th in defense this year (110.2 PPG) and 13th in net rating (+2.5).
3. A Chance To Be In MVP Conversation For The Rest Of His Career
Donovan Mitchell’s desire to win an MVP award can be realized in Cleveland, where he has his best chance. This past season, he averaged impressive numbers: 26.6 points per game, 5.1 rebounds per game, and 6.1 assists per game, earning an All-Star selection. Playing in the Eastern Conference with the Cavaliers provides him a platform to be consistently in the MVP conversation. With a solid supporting cast, the team finished fourth in the East this year. A top-two seed in the conference could significantly bolster his MVP candidacy, more so than playing for other teams with less promising rosters.
Mitchell’s presence on a successful team is crucial for MVP consideration, and the Cavaliers offer him that opportunity. His individual brilliance combined with the team’s potential for high seeding makes Cleveland the ideal environment for him to chase this personal accolade. Consistently performing at a high level and leading the Cavaliers deep into the playoffs would not only enhance his MVP prospects but also cement his status as one of the league’s elite players.
4. Compete In The Weaker Eastern Conference
The Eastern Conference is generally perceived as less competitive than the Western Conference. While the Boston Celtics are a powerhouse and the Milwaukee Bucks are dominant with stars like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard, the rest of the East is certainly beatable. In contrast, the Western Conference is loaded with formidable teams, including the reigning champion Denver Nuggets, as well as the Minnesota Timberwolves, Dallas Mavericks, Oklahoma City Thunder, and veteran-laden squads like the Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors.
In the East, Mitchell has a more straightforward path to becoming a title favorite. Cleveland’s solid supporting cast, with its blend of young talent and established players, gives Mitchell the best chance to contend for championships. Staying in the East allows him to avoid the gauntlet of the West’s tough competition, making it more feasible for the Cavaliers to secure higher playoff seeds and deeper postseason runs. This strategic advantage can help Mitchell achieve greater team success and individual accolades, reinforcing his decision to remain with Cleveland.
5. Eligible For 4-Year, $200 Million Extension
Financial incentives play a significant role in career decisions, and Mitchell’s eligibility for a four-year, $200 million extension with the Cavaliers is a compelling reason to stay. Currently earning $35,410,310 next season, this extension would provide a substantial salary increase, positioning him among the top 10 highest-paid players in the NBA. As of this season, he ranked 36th in earnings ($33,162,030), so this lucrative deal would not only reward his performance but also secure his financial future.
Turning down such a significant extension is challenging, especially when it comes to the opportunity to play for a competitive team in the Eastern Conference. The Cavaliers offer Mitchell a strong supporting cast and a clear path to success, making this financial package even more attractive. By committing to Cleveland, he can enjoy both the monetary benefits and the chance to lead a promising team, making this decision a win-win for his career and personal aspirations.
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