Cavaliers Insider: Donovan Mitchell Is ‘Physically Beat Up And Emotionally Drained’

According to NBA reporter Terry Pluto of Cleveland.com, Cleveland Cavaliers star Donovan Mitchell is “physically beat up and emotionally drained.”

The Cavaliers are tied 3-3 with the Orlando Magic in the first round of the 2024 playoffs. Game 7 is today (5/5).

“Mitchell is physically beat up and emotionally drained,” Pluto wrote. “I’ve always liked him as a player. My respect for him has grown during the ups and downs of this series. He’s a polite, tough-minded, no-excuse guy. What he has left, Mitchell will give it to the Cavs and their fans in Game 7.”

Mitchell is averaging 27.0 points, 4.3 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 1.5 steals and 0.3 blocks against the Magic while shooting 47.0% from the field, 25.0% from beyond the arc and 79.4% from the free-throw line. He scored 50 points in Game 6. 

“I’m excited to see Cleveland in a Game Seven,” Mitchell said about Game 7. “No matter what round it is – first, second, third and The Finals – all the stuff you’ve done for six games really goes out the window. It’s all about desperation and will.”

Mitchell can sign an extension for up to four years and around $200 million this summer. The 27-year-old has a player option worth $37 million for the 2025-26 season.

Mitchell can become an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2025 if he declines that player option. 

According to NBA insider Marc Stein, there is a growing belief that the Cavaliers will be forced to trade Mitchell if an extension isn’t reached. The Brooklyn Nets, Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat and New York Knicks have been linked to Mitchell, who doesn’t have a no-trade clause in his contract. 

Mitchell has career averages of 24.8 points, 4.3 rebounds and 4.6 assists with the Utah Jazz and Cavaliers. He scored a career-high 71 points last season against the Chicago Bulls. 

If the Cavaliers lose to the Magic today, Mitchell could be on the move this offseason.