"If you're happy, sign the extension"- 3x NBA champ calls out Donovan Mitchell over non-committal stance
The Cleveland Cavaliers fired their head coach, J.B. Bickerstaff and now face Donovan Mitchell's refusal to sign an extension, which could cause some problems for the team's future. This has led three-time NBA champion and Miami Heat legend Udonis Haslem to call the guard out.
While discussing with Stephen A. Smith and Shannon Sharpe about the Cavaliers on "First Take," Haslem called out Mitchell for claiming to be happy and still not signing an extension.
"When you talk about Cleveland, I want no part of that until I understand what Donovan Mitchell is gonna do," Haslem said.
"He says he's happy there but he ain't sign that extension so I'm calling cap. If you're happy, sign that extension so that we at the front office can say, 'hey, we got Donovan Mitchell locked in, this is what we gon' look like the next couple years, this is the plan we're trying to put together to win a championship.'"
Mitchell is still under contract for the 2024–25 NBA season but his refusal to sign an extension can make it difficult for the Cavs to plan their future. Mitchell also has a player option for 2025–26. Something that he can decline, which would make him a free agent as soon as the summer of 2025.
This problem can also exacerbate their search for a new head coach since some coaches who want to remain with teams long-term might not want to stick with a franchise that is facing some uncertainties with its star player.
Also read: In Photos: Donovan Mitchell spotted courtside at Liberty vs Sky WNBA game
Donovan Mitchell now linked to multiple trade rumors
As soon as the rest of the league learned that Donovan Mitchell declined to sign an extension with the Cavaliers, trade rumors began to pour in.
First, some believed that he could force his way to the LA Lakers this summer. However, LA hasn't been the only destination rumored for the five-time All-Star.
Another team that has appeared in the rumor mill is the Philadelphia 76ers. The Sixers want to pair a third star with Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey in hopes of winning a title.
With Tobias Harris' contract expiring, Philadelphia has plenty of cap space to work with, which will allow them to structure a loaded 'win-now' roster for several seasons into the future. Aside from Mitchell, Paul George has also been linked with the Sixers.
Two more Eastern Conference teams are somewhat in the background in the Mitchell talks and those are the Miami Heat and the New York Knicks.
Should the Cavs decide to trade him, though, any team that wants to acquire him might have to pay a hefty price.