The Cleveland Cavaliers will definitely be one of the most interesting teams to follow this summer after being eliminated in the second round of the NBA playoffs by the Boston Celtics.
Donovan Mitchell is up for a 4-year extension worth over $200 million, which the Cavs are likely to offer. His decision will have significant implications for the team’s future. If Mitchell declines, the Cavs may need to explore trade options to avoid losing him for nothing next summer. Should he accept, Darius Garland’s representatives are expected to request a trade for the former All-Star guard, although the Cavs aren’t rushing to part ways with Garland. Additionally, there are ongoing debates about the compatibility of Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley.
Allen, a highly desirable player on the trade market, is set to earn $20 million per year for the next two years. Despite the consensus that Mobley’s future lies at center, the Cavs must navigate internal dynamics. According to Marc Stein, Mitchell is a strong supporter of Allen and prefers to keep him in Cleveland.
“One reason I’ve heard for the Cavaliers’ reported reluctance to trade Jarrett Allen despite ongoing questions about Allen’s fit in the same frontcourt alongside the emerging Evan Mobley: Donovan Mitchell is often described as an Allen fan who doesn’t want to lose him as a teammate,” Stein wrote.
It’s clear why Mitchell values Allen: he excels at defensive rim protection and is the team’s best screener, creating opportunities for Mitchell. However, during the playoffs, Mobley thrived without Allen, highlighting the spacing issues posed by having two non-shooting big men on the floor.