This offseason, Donovan Mitchell has a lot of leverage with the Cleveland Cavaliers. It apparently has the potential to surpass LeBron James’s leverage with the Los Angeles Lakers. During an appearance on 850 ESPN Cleveland, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst stated, “Donovan’s position with the Cavs right now is potentially as powerful as any team with any star player. “With potential trades on the horizon and the kind of deal that will be extended to him. With the head coaching job available. LeBron has the same situation with the Lakers as Donovan does with the Cavaliers. Given that the Lakers now have another superstar player on their roster, it may even be stronger. LeBron is also going to turn 40 soon. Donovan is about to reach his peak.”
Donovan Mitchell’s Contract Situation
Mitchell has a player option for the 2025–2026 season and is signed through the following season. This offseason, he can also be eligible for an extension. Cleveland hopes to improve on its postseason positioning. The team made it to the second round this year, and will undoubtedly want him to re-sign. It would also remove the long-term uncertainty. Mitchell’s decision to decline a contract would bring. In that scenario, the Cavaliers might need to trade him to prevent losing him in free agency.
The LeBron James Lakers and Donovan Mitchell Cavaliers Parallel Connection
The fact that Windhorst brought up James is noteworthy because the Cavaliers and Lakers currently share a lot of similarities. Given that James has a player option through 2024–25 and Mitchell is eligible for an extension. Their key players’ futures are a hot topic of conversation this summer. Following the firings of Los Angeles’ Darvin Ham and Cleveland’s J.B. Bickerstaff, both cities now have open coaching positions. Additionally, they both fall short of the best teams in their respective conferences and require reinforcements to close the gap.
Head Coach Influence
When selecting their next head coach or even considering roster changes. The front offices will undoubtedly ask James and Mitchell for input, assuming that they want them back. It remains to be seen if either uses that leverage to sway roster choices. However, Cleveland faces a crucial offseason ahead.
Potential Roster Shake Up
Earlier this month, The Athletic’s Shams Charania, Joe Vardon, and Jason Lloyd claimed that “rival executives believe the Cavs will need to evaluate the fit of Mitchell and Darius Garland. Ultimately the Cavs may have to choose one or the other.” If Mitchell signs his contract deal. That may result in a trade for Garland. In which will free up more cap room for the five-time All-Star to add another impact player. Depending on how much leverage Mitchell uses to negotiate his own contract, Cleveland might look very different in 2024–2025.
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