The Cleveland Cavaliers are facing a crucial juncture in their season as they prepare for Game 5 against the Boston Celtics on Wednesday night. Star player Donovan Mitchell will be sitting out the game due to a calf injury that also kept him out of Game 4.
With the Cavaliers trailing 3-1, this may be the end of their season as Boston looks to close out the series at home. One of the key questions facing the team is whether Mitchell will sign a contract extension to stay in Cleveland. With one year left on his current deal, the team is reportedly prepared to offer him a max extension worth an estimated $199 million over four years.
If Mitchell chooses not to sign the extension, trade options may need to be considered. However, with interest from teams like the Lakers and Nets, Mitchell will have leverage in any potential trade negotiations. If he decides to stay in Cleveland, changes are still expected for the team, including decisions about players like Darius Garland and Jarrett Allen as well as potential changes to coaching staff with J.B. Bickerstaff.
The outcome of Game 5 will not only determine whether or not the Cavaliers’ season comes to an end but also influence their decisions moving forward. The absence of Mitchell due to injury adds an extra layer of uncertainty to this pivotal moment for the franchise.
As a journalist rewriting this article, I moved around some sentences and added new information where necessary: Donovan Mitchell has been ruled out for Game 5 due to a calf injury that also prevented him from participating in Game 4. Shams Charania from The Athletic reported that along with Jarrett Allen and Caris LeVert, Mitchell did not participate in morning shootaround and is listed as questionable for Wednesday night’s game against Boston.
One of the biggest challenges facing the Cavaliers during this offseason is whether or not Donovan Mitchell will sign an extension with Cleveland. With only one year left on his current deal, reports suggest that Cleveland is prepared to offer him a max extension worth an estimated $199 million over four years.
If Donovan decides not to sign an extension with Cleveland, it may lead them considering trade options rather than losing him for nothing in free agency in 2025.
Donovan has already shown interest from other teams such as Los Angeles Lakers and Brooklyn Nets; however, he would have leverage due to his contractual situation if he decides not to sign an extension with Cleveland.
Despite these challenges ahead, there is still hope for change within Cleveland’s roster and coaching staff if Donovan chooses not to extend his contract with them.
In summary: The outcome of Game 5 against Boston could determine if Donovan signs an extension or leads Cleveland towards trade possibilities; while other players like Darius Garland and Jarrett Allen face uncertain futures alongside JB Bickerstaff who could potentially face changes within coaching staffs after this season ends or even sooner depending on how things unfold between now and then
