May 2024 Cleveland Cavaliers Wiretap

Donovan Mitchell: I'm Happy In Cleveland, I Know I've Got Decision To Make This Offseason

May 16, 2024 10:27 PM

The future of Donovan Mitchell with the Cleveland Cavaliers will likely be settled this offseason as faces a decision about an extension with the franchise. If Mitchell declines an extension offer, he could become a free agent in 2025.

"I reached out to Donovan Mitchell today," said Adrian Wojnarowski on NBA Countdown. "And he was emphatic in telling me that he is not disgruntled with anyone or anything in Cleveland. In fact, he said to me 'I am happy in Cleveland. I've been happy since I arrived in Cleveland.'

"He thinks this team has made progress this season. Obviously, winning that best of seven first round series against the Magic to get to the Conference Semifinals for the first time since 2018.

"But as he said, he's not in this to go to the second round of the Eastern Conference playoffs."

Mitchell will be offered an extension by the Cavaliers this offseason.

"Donovan Mitchell knows the question that is coming for him now in this offseason about his future in Cleveland. He said 'I know I've got decision to make this offseason. My agent and I will talk to Cleveland about that at the right time.'

"[Mitchell] emphasized 'I'm not leaving this season unhappy. I'm leaving it more determined.'"

This offseason, the Cavaliers could also consider parting ways with J.B. Bickerstaff as head coach and a trade of Darius Garland if Mitchell agrees to extend. 

Adrian Wojnarowski/ESPN

Tags: Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers, NBA, NBA Signing Rumor, NBA Trade Rumor, NBA Misc Rumor

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Jarrett Allen Rib Injury Frustrated Members Within Cavs

May 16, 2024 1:38 AM

Members of the Cleveland Cavaliers were frustrated by the way Jarrett Allen handled his rib injury, sources told The Athletic.

Allen was elbowed by Franz Wagner in Game 1 of their first-round series against the Magic. The move "pierced" a rib on Allen's right side.

Allen was listed as questionable for every Cavs game after the initial injury, though he was not close to playing.

There was frustration among people in the team that Allen refused an injection to numb the pain and play. 

Shams Charania, Joe Vardon, & Jason Lloyd/The Athletic

Tags: Jarrett Allen, Cleveland Cavaliers, NBA, NBA Injury, NBA Playoffs

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Evan Mobley's Agents Cautioned Cavs Against Drafting Him With Third Pick In 2021

May 16, 2024 1:32 AM

Evan Mobley's representation cautioned the Cleveland Cavaliers from selecting him with the third pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, sources told The Athletic. Mobley is represented by Thaddeus Foucher and Joe Smith of Wasserman.

Mobley's representation were attempting to get him to the Oklahoma City Thunder.

The Thunder reportedly made several offers to the Cavs for the third pick. 

With Mobley available for an extension this summer, the two sides now have a healthy relationship.

Shams Charania, Joe Vardon, Jason Lloyd/The Athletic

Tags: Evan Mobley, Cleveland Cavaliers, NBA, NBA Misc Rumor, NBA NBA Draft, NBA Draft General

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Donovan Mitchell's Odds Of Signing Extension With Cavaliers Believed To Be Increasing

May 15, 2024 10:49 PM

While rival teams are monitoring the potential availability of Donovan Mitchell via trade this offseason, The Athletic reports "there is a growing sentiment around the league" that the Cleveland Cavaliers will sign him to an extension this offseason.

“Donovan is playing for his legacy as a winner; that’s all he wants to do,” one teammate said earlier in the season.

Mitchell is eligible for a four-year extension this offseason worth as much as $208.5 million. Mitchell can become a free agent in 2025 if he doesn't sign an extension. The Cavaliers acquired Mitchell from the Utah Jazz before the 22-23 season where they sent out Lauri Markkanen, Collin Sexton and significant future draft capital. 

The Cavaliers could look different around Mitchell with a potential dismissal of J.B. Bickerstaff as head coach and trade of Darius Garland.

Shams Charania, Joe Vardon, Jason Lloyd/The Athletic

Tags: Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers, NBA, NBA Signing Rumor, NBA Trade Rumor, NBA Misc Rumor

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Darius Garland Could Seek Trade From Cavs If Donovan Mitchell Extends

May 15, 2024 10:41 PM

The Cleveland Cavaliers could break up their backcourt duo this offseason regardless of what Donovan Mitchell decides to do on the four-year, $208.5 million extension they offer him. 

The combination of Mitchell and Darius Garland hasn't succeeded as well as the Cavaliers expected and may have to choose between the two.

Sources tell The Athletic that Garland's agent, Rich Paul, will have a conversation with the Cavaliers about a potential trade if Mitchell decides to sign an extension.

The Cavaliers drafted Garland in 2019 and he became an All-Star in 2022 a few months before they acquired Mitchell. 

Shams Charania, Joe Vardon, Jason Lloyd/The Athletic

Tags: Darius Garland, Cleveland Cavaliers, NBA, NBA Trade Rumor, NBA Misc Rumor

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Cavaliers Considering Dismissal Of J.B. Bickerstaff

May 15, 2024 10:32 PM

The Cleveland Cavaliers are expected to take multiple days to make a final decision, but the job of J.B. Bickerstaff as head coach is in "serious jeopardy," sources tell The Athletic.

Bickerstaff has been head coach for five-and-a-half years after replacing John Beilein in 2020.

Bickerstaff guided the Cavaliers to a first round series win over the Orlando Magic in seven games before they lost to the Boston Celtics in five games.

Donovan Mitchell reportedly does not have great confidence in Bickerstaff and is not alone in that assessment. Multiple players have questioned the strategies, game management and practice habits of Bickerstaff.

“No one has told me I’m not (the coach), so I’ll keep showing up until they tell me not to,” Bickerstaff said when asked about his job status after Wednesday’s loss.

He added: “We’ve continued to build this thing the right way. Every single year we’ve improved, continued to get better. Play-In, playoffs.”

Shams Charania, Joe Vardon, Jason Lloyd/The Athletic

Tags: Cleveland Cavaliers, NBA, NBA Misc Rumor

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Donovan Mitchell Situation Being Closely Watched, Multiple Teams Preparing 'Huge Offer' To Cavs

May 15, 2024 11:40 AM

Donovan Mitchell faces a big decision this offseason when the Cleveland Cavaliers offer him a contract extension. If Mitchell chooses not to extend, a trade becomes possible and there are already several teams closely monitoring the situation due to their interest in acquiring him.

"The NBA, especially beginning with what Donovan says at the end of the season, is paying very close attention because multiple teams would love to make a huge offer to the Cavs if Donovan does not choose to extend his contract," said Brian Windhorst.

Mitchell has been non-committal on his future with the Cavaliers when asked about it during the season. Windhorst added that he doesn't expect Mitchell to explicitly indicate he would prefer to be traded.

The Cavaliers traded for Mitchell before the 21-22 season with the Utah Jazz also receiving interest at that time from teams such as the New York Knicks and Miami Heat. Mitchell can become a free agent in 2024.

"There is an optimism within that organization that they're going to sign him," said Windhorst of the Cavaliers. 

"There are a number of teams that have their offers ready," said Windhorst.

"Are the Lakers one?" asked Andraya Carter.

"They're ready, of course," said Windhorst.

"The Knicks?" asked Mike Greenberg.

"I don't think... the Knicks are trying win the Eastern Conference," replied Windhorst. "Certainly across the river there in Brooklyn."

Brian Windhorst/ESPN

Tags: Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers, Los Angeles Lakers, Brooklyn Nets, NBA, NBA Trade Rumor, NBA Misc Rumor

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Donovan Mitchell Expected To Miss Game 5 With Hamstring Strain

May 15, 2024 11:36 AM

Donovan Mitchell is expected to be out of the Cleveland Cavaliers' lineup for Game 5 with a hamstring strain.

Mitchell also missed the Cavaliers' Game 4 loss at home against the Boston Celtics with the injury.

Shams Charania/The Athletic

Tags: Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers, NBA, NBA Injury

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Donovan Mitchell, Caris LeVert Questionable For Game 5

May 15, 2024 2:15 AM

Caris LeVert and Donovan Mitchell are questionable for Game 5 against the Boston Celtics.

LeVert was diagnosed with a bone bruise, with Mitchell suffering from a calf strain. 

Jarrett Allen is also questionable with a rib injury.

The Cavs are down 3-1 in the series. 

Tim Bontemps/ESPN

Tags: Donovan Mitchell, Caris LeVert, Jarrett Allen, Cleveland Cavaliers, NBA, NBA Injury, NBA Playoffs

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Donovan Mitchell Out For Game 4 With Calf Strain

May 13, 2024 6:03 PM

Donovan Mitchell has been ruled out by the Cleveland Cavaliers for Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Boston Celtics with a left calf strain.

The Cavaliers enter the game trailing the Celtics 2-1 in the series. 

In 10 games this postseason, Mitchell is averaging 29.6 points, 5.4 rebounds and 4.7 assists for the Cavaliers. 

Adrian Wojnarowski/ESPN

Tags: Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers, NBA, NBA Injury, NBA Playoffs

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Donovan Mitchell Questionable For Game 4 With Calf Strain

Tim Bontemps/ESPN

RealGM Radio: Kevin Pelton On The Second Round (Apr 2024)

RealGM Staff Report

Donovan Mitchell Was 'Tired Of Losing In The First Round'

Kendra Andrews/ESPN

Jarrett Allen To Miss Game 7 Due To Rib Injury

Kendra Andrews/ESPN

Jarrett Allen's Status Uncertain For Game 6

ESPN