Rumor Puts Cavaliers Future in Doubt for Former Jazz G Donovan Mitchell

Since the Utah Jazz opted to make their blockbuster deal by sending Donovan Mitchell to the Cleveland Cavaliers, the conversations have remained persistent surrounding where the All-Star guard would sign his next long-term deal. Now two years removed from the move, we're starting to get some developments showcasing some doubt about his long-term future with The Land.

According to Bleacher Report's Eric Picnus, Mitchell could be in to sign to another team once his contract runs up after next season:

"The buzz in NBA circles suggests that barring a run to the NBA Finals, Mitchell will decline an extension and look elsewhere, and the Cavaliers are more likely than not to move him well before he can leave outright as a free agent."

Mitchell has spent the past two seasons in Cleveland, with his previous campaign ending with a disappointing first-round exit to the New York Knicks. In his 120 games played with the franchise, he's averaged 27.6 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 5.1 assists. If this Cavaliers core can't get it done for a second straight postseason showing, it could mean real trouble for his future with the team.

The Cavaliers have been in the middle of an impressive 2023-24 campaign, as they've jumped to a 46-31 record for third in the Eastern Conference. Still, a Finals-or-bust approach to this roster's expectations may be a bit higher than they're realistically able to accomplish. As ESPN has it, Cleveland is tied for 11th in the league for NBA title odds at +4000.

If Mitchell does end up splitting with the Cavaliers, it could mean big things for the Jazz moving forward. Utah holds the rights to Cleveland's first-round pick from 2025 to 2029, with three unprotected selections and two swaps. Without having the services of Spida on the roster, it's easy to see how the Cavaliers could struggle to keep up respectably in the standings for that lengthy stretch.

Mitchell has seen countless connections to teams like the New York Knicks and Brooklyn Nets due to his home roots with the city, and they've come from whispers that have been apparent even during the Jazz's trade extensive talks a couple of summers back. With those rumblings being so continuous and logical, it may only be a matter of time until we see the former Jazz guard return where it all started.

There's still a ton remaining on the clock until the Cavaliers have a pressing decision on their hands for what's to come with Mitchell, but as things stand, there could be some reason for worry. Regardless, the Jazz are sitting in a very ideal spot for the coming seasons as a result of their risky, yet rewarding move in 2022.

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