NBA Exec: "No Doubt" Donovan Mitchell Is Leaving the Cavaliers

The Cleveland Cavaliers have made a super-charged run up the Eastern Conference of late, winning 17 of their last 19 games, to sit in 2nd place, at 35-17. They're led by MVP contender Donovan Mitchell, who has just one more year left on his contract after this one. Will he extend in Cleveland this summer?

Many are dubious about Mitchell's long-term status in The Land, including rival team executives.

“There’s no doubt he’s leaving once his contract ends”

- Eastern Conference exec on Donovan Mitchell

(Via @HowardBeck / https://t.co/wZdSnwBjdy) pic.twitter.com/gIEGO1MQnv
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) February 14, 2024

Howard Beck, writing in The Ringer, spoke to one Eastern Conference exec who assured him that Mitchell would not be a Cavalier for much longer:

If the Cleveland Cavaliers (currently second in the East) flame out in the first round again, will Donovan Mitchell ask out? Or if Mitchell, slated for free agency in 2025, balks at a contract extension (as rivals expect), will the Cavs preemptively trade him? 'There’s no doubt he’s leaving once his contract ends,' said the second Eastern Conference exec, echoing a belief held by many around the league.

Does Cleveland's performance in this year's playoffs affect whether or not he'd sign an extension this summer? It remains to be seen, but many think not.

As for Spida, the 5-time All-Star has stepped up his game to a new level this season. He's averaging 28.3 points a game (like last year), but his rebounds (5.4), assists (6.3) and steals (1.9) are all up significantly. Is he really in the MVP conversation? Just ask him...