Donovan Mitchell faces a big decision this offseason when the Cleveland Cavaliers offer him a contract extension. If Mitchell chooses not to extend, a trade becomes possible and there are already several teams closely monitoring the situation due to their interest in acquiring him.
“The NBA, especially beginning with what Donovan says at the end of the season, is paying very close attention because multiple teams would love to make a huge offer to the Cavs if Donovan does not choose to extend his contract,” said Brian Windhorst.
Mitchell has been non-committal on his future with the Cavaliers when asked about it during the season. Windhorst added that he doesn’t expect Mitchell to explicitly indicate he would prefer to be traded.
The Cavaliers traded for Mitchell before the 21-22 season with the Utah Jazz also receiving interest at that time from teams such as the New York Knicks and Miami Heat. Mitchell can become a free agent in 2024.
“There is an optimism within that organization that they’re going to sign him,” said Windhorst of the Cavaliers.
“There are a number of teams that have their offers ready,” said Windhorst.
“Are the Lakers one?” asked Andraya Carter.
“They’re ready, of course,” said Windhorst.
“The Knicks?” asked Mike Greenberg.
“I don’t think… the Knicks are trying win the Eastern Conference,” replied Windhorst. “Certainly across the river there in Brooklyn.”
Donovan Mitchell is expected to be out of the Cleveland Cavaliers’ lineup for Game 5 with a hamstring strain.
Mitchell also missed the Cavaliers’ Game 4 loss at home against the Boston Celtics with the injury.
Derrick Jones Jr. signed with the Dallas Mavericks on a veteran minimum contract. He’s outplayed that deal to become a key starter for Dallas during their playoff run.
Now, Jones hopes to return to the Mavericks as a free agent, but understands the team is limited in what they can offer him.
“He loves his teammates, he loves Jason Kidd, he really likes the front office, (Mavericks president) Nico (Harrison) and Matt Riccardi,” Jones agent Aaron Turner said. “He wants to be back.”
Jones started in 66 of the 76 games he played this season. He averaged a career-high 8.6 points per game on 48% shooting, including a career-best 34% on three-pointers. In 10 playoff games, Jones has upped his scoring a bit to 8.9 points, while also adding 1.5 blocks per game.
