Cleveland Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert recently expressed confidence that Donovan Mitchell will sign a contract extension with the team.
“We’ve certainly had conversations with him over the last few years about a contract extension,” Gilbert said in a recent interview with The Associated Press. “We think he’ll extend it. Listening to him, I think he loves this city.
However, Mitchell, who signed a five-year contract with the Utah Jazz in 2020, took a more measured approach to Gilbert’s comments.
“Honestly, there’s a lot of other things to focus on right now,” Mitchell told reporters on Saturday. “I have to go back and focus on myself.” [from his knee injury] For this group, we are focused on getting through this and will continue to be prepared when the time comes. ”
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Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell takes a foul shot during the second half of a game against the Atlanta Hawks on March 28, 2023 in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Hakim Wright Sr.)
According to the NBA’s collective bargaining agreement, the five-time NBA All-Star is eligible to sign a four-year extension this summer. The deal could be worth an estimated $200 million.
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“When that happens, I’ll handle it,” Mitchell said of extension negotiations. “I’ll give you the same answer.”
Mitchell’s reaction likely stems from the NBA guard’s desire to keep his options open. The 27-year-old is having another great season, averaging 27.1 points and a career-high 6.1 assists per game.
Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell, 45, hits New York Knicks guard during the first half of Game 4 of the first round of the NBA playoff series on April 23, 2023 at Madison Square Garden in New York. , passing Josh Hart (3) and heading to the basket. (AP Photo/Mary Altafer)
Cleveland acquired him in a blockbuster trade just before the 2022-23 season. The team viewed him as the final piece to compete for an NBA championship, along with young stars Darius Garland, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen.
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Mitchell has only played in 49 games this season due to injury. Friday’s game against the Philadelphia 76ers was Mitchell’s first point since March 16th. He scored 12 points in 32 minutes.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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