Mitchell could sign three-year extension with Cavs

Mitchell would make $151 million over the course of the deal.

Buzz continues to grow about Donovan Mitchell extending with the Cleveland Cavaliers in the coming days. That buzz now includes more details about the structure of the deal.

Per longtime NBA insider Marc Stein, Mitchell is “widely expected” to sign a contract extension with the Cavs in the coming days. And per Stein, it could be for three years instead of the maximum four:

There was endless speculation about Cleveland’s Donovan Mitchell no matter how many times naysayers like yours truly said that Mitchell would not be a target to partner with Jalen Brunson. (Mitchell is now widely expected to come to terms on a contract extension with the Cavaliers, possibly for three years rather than four, in the coming days.)

A three-year extension could pay Mitchell $151 million over the course of the deal. Like with a four-year deal that included a player option in year four, this would give Mitchell more flexibility to sign another extension after year 10 where he would be eligible for a larger deal worth 35% of the salary cap. That, more than any other reason, would be the logic for a three-year deal.

The Cavs should sign Mitchell to any extension he’s open to signing. There’s no business reason to get hung up on this from Cleveland’s perspective. Their sole focus is moving forward with Mitchell in their plans.

So if he wants three years? Great. If he wants a four-year deal with a team option? Also great. Mitchell has the leverage here, so he’s going to get what he wants.