Mitchell Commits to Cleveland on Extension as LeBron Decision Looms

Cavs lock in Donovan Mitchell with 4-year deal

Mitchell committed long-term to Cleveland on a $273 million extension after averaging 27.9 PPG last season and leading the Cavs to the East Finals.

Donovan Mitchell agrees to $273M max extension with Cavaliers as LeBron watches on...

Donovan Mitchell has agreed to a four-year, $273 million max extension with the Cleveland Cavaliers, his agent told ESPN on Tuesday in a deal that could boost the Cavs' chances of luring LeBron James back.

Agent Austin Brown told ESPN Mitchell had the option to wait until next year and sign for an extra year and $80 million, but chose to lock in long-term with Cleveland immediately.

The deal also includes a player option for the 2030-31 season, per the report.

  

Mitchell was traded to Cleveland from Utah in the 2022 offseason. After the Cavs were knocked out by eventual champions the New York Knicks in May, he said he still had “unfinished business” in bringing another NBA title to the city.

James delivered Cleveland its 2016 NBA championship after winning two titles with Miami following his 2010 exit. He departed again in 2018 to join the Los Angeles Lakers, winning another title with them in 2020.

The four-time NBA MVP is now a free agent and has said he won’t return to the Lakers. His hometown Cavaliers, along with Philadelphia, Miami and Golden State, have been listed as top potential destinations for the 41-year-old forward.

Mitchell, a 29-year-old guard heading into his 10th NBA season, averaged 27.9 points, 5.7 assists, 4.5 rebounds and 1.5 steals per game last year. Cleveland made it to the Eastern Conference finals before being swept 4-0 by New York.

Donovan Mitchell will now make $322.9 million over the next five seasons with the Cavaliers:

2026-27: $50.1 million
2027-28: $60.9 million
2028-29: $65.8 million
2029-30: $70.6 million
2030-31: $75.5 million (player option) pic.twitter.com/sFFoNzCQMS

— Evan Sidery (@esidery) July 7, 2026

Cleveland has made the playoffs in all four seasons since Mitchell arrived, after missing the postseason in the four years before that.

With Mitchell locked in long-term and Evan Mobley anchoring the frontcourt, the Cavaliers could have the foundation needed to convince James to return home for one more championship push.