Rivalries, Rebuilding, Rehab, and Rasslin’

Evan Mobley and the Cleveland Cavaliers have agreed to a five-year, $224 million maximum rookie contract extension that could be worth $269 million if he qualifies for the Rose rule during the 24-25 season. Mobley is represented by Thaddeus Foucher and Joe Smith.

Mobley was the third overall pick in the 2021 NBA draft out of USC and was an All-Rookie First Team selection in 2022 and an All-NBA Defensive First Team selection in 2023. In 50 games during the 23-24 season, Mobley averaged 15.7 points, 9.4 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 1.4 blocks in 30.6 minutes.

Mobley shot 37.3 percent on limited three-point volume. Mobley’s upside in the NBA will largely come down to whether he becomes a consistent three-point shooter or how he holds up with more regular minutes at center.

Mobley joins Cade Cunningham, Scotties Barnes and Franz Wagner in signing rookie max extensions from the 2021 draft class. Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun are widely expected to not sign extensions with the Houston Rockets as they wait to see how the 24-25 season plays out.