Donovan Mitchell could agree to an extension with the Cleveland Cavaliers for three seasons instead of the fully allowed duration of four seasons, reports Marc Stein.
Mitchell can sign a four-year extension worth $208 million, or a three-year, $151 million extension with a player option for 27-28. Even though Mitchell would receive less guaranteed money, he would have the ability to sign a 35 percent max in 2027 with 10 years of service accrued. The salary cap in 27-28 is also projected to reach $187.6 million.
Mitchell didn’t previously qualify for the Rose rule max at the 30 percent of the cap salary and also became ineligible for the 35 percent supermax upon his departure from the Utah Jazz. Mitchell has one All-NBA season in 2023.
The Cavaliers acquired Mitchell during the 2022 offseason despite his apparent preference for a trade to either the New York Knicks or Miami Heat. New York has fully dropped out as a potential trade partner for Mitchell following their acquisition of Mikal Bridges, though they were considered unlikely to deal for him considering the emergence of Jalen Brunson.