One year after it felt like things were looking as up as they had ever been for the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Donovan Mitchell era, this year has felt like the most unstable they've ever been. This is despite the efforts of the former Utah Jazz star, who has given them everything he can.
Because Cleveland hasn't made much progress since acquiring Mitchell four years ago, it really feels like do-or-die time for them because something's gotta give if it's more of the same. It appears the Cavaliers are aware of the situation at hand.
The Athletic's Fred Katz revealed that Mitchell is up for an extension this summer. If he decides to turn it down, the team may look to move him.
"Meanwhile, Mitchell, who can hit free agency in 2027, becomes eligible for an extension this summer. If he signs it, the Cavs can move forward with him at their core. If he doesn’t, the organization will discuss the possibility of moving him, league sources said," Katz wrote.
Cleveland already knows about this dilemma, and they've done everything they can to make the most out of what they have with Mitchell by acquiring James Harden, Dennis Schroder, and Keon Ellis. By all means, those were smart moves because we've seen more than enough evidence that their previous formula didn't work.
But the problem may very well be that it's simply not enough. The Cavaliers have to return to the the conference finals to show any hint of progress, and that alone might not be enough.
If Mitchell is out of Cleveland, Utah benefits big time
If the Cavaliers decide that it's time for a change, the Jazz will be thrilled because, even after all the trades they've made over the past few years, they still have conditional Cavaliers assets in their disposal.
The Jazz will receive the second most favorable pick between them, the Cavaliers, and Timberwolves next season. It's very possible that won't matter with all three teams planning to be good, but it is something to keep in mind.
Next season, the Jazz have a favorable pick swap with the Cavaliers if they have a better record than them. The following season, the team gets the two most favorable picks out of theirs, the Cavaliers, and the Timberwolves. These loom very large if the Cavaliers fail again and Mitchell decides to forego an extension.
Nothing will be set in stone for some time, but if Cleveland fails again in the playoffs, the Jazz should pay close attention to what their next move is.
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