NBA Free Agency: Cavaliers snag Mitchell, ready if Garland leaves
The Cleveland Cavaliers have snagged Donovan Mitchell for a maximum contract extension as the club will be ready if Darius Garland leaves.
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CAVALIERS LOCK UP MITCHELL WITH THREE-YEAR MAX DEAL IF GARLAND LEAVES
The Cavs locked up Mitchell with a three-year maximum contract extension worth USD150.3 million amid uncertainty over Garland’s future, sources told ESPN.
Cleveland decided to hold on to their All-Star offguard, whom they acquired after giving up three first-round picks, two swaps, and three players less than two years ago.
Furthermore, Mitchell now has a guaranteed four years and USD185 million total and a chance to reach the NBA’s 10-year service criteria.
This would empower Mitchell to seek over USD380 million in a five-year extension in 2027 for a more stable, long-term deal.
Sources with knowledge of the deal said Mitchell and his agent, Austin Brown – co-head of CAA Basketball – met with Cavaliers president of basketball operations Koby Altman in Los Angeles on Saturday.
CLEVELAND READY AFTER SECURING LONG-TERM DEAL
Furthermore, Cleveland is ready for free agency after the team secured a long-term deal for their franchise player.
Moreover, Garland has been a target of interest by several teams – including the San Antonio Spurs.
However, the Spurs removed themselves from the equation after snagging veteran playmaker Chris Paul, who the Golden State Warriors waived.
Some observers noted that the Mitchell-Garland backcourt combination may not work for the Cavaliers.
Consider the numbers: Garland averaged 20.0 points per game and 6.9 assists in 21 starts without Mitchell.
With Mitchell, Garland’s numbers dropped to 16.9 ppg and 6.3 apg, with ESPN reporting that the playmaker is providing “weaker efficiency as a scorer.”
CAVS CAN STILL GET VALUE FOR NEW POINT GUARD
Furthermore, the Cavs can still get value in exchange for Garland to pair with Mitchell by trading him.
Instead of losing Garland to free agency, Cleveland can look for an off-ball player who can run with Mitchell long-term.
Under former coach Bernie Bickerstaff, the Cavs found success with the foursome of Mitchell, Garland, Jarrett Allen, and Evan Mobley.
However, with Mitchell and Garland commanding huge salaries long-term and playing different styles, Cleveland could be bracing to break their backcourt sooner rather than later.
Regardless of new coach Kenny Atkinson’s plans, Mitchell has proven to be more versatile playing without Garland by playing point guard at times.
For now, the Cavs feel good with Mitchell locked up for at least three years and worry later if Garland decides to walk.
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