ESPN analyst Brian Windhorst calls Donovan Mitchell’s contract extension an important signing for the Cleveland Cavaliers — but many NBA fans disagree.
The former 13th overall NBA pick is said to have agreed to a new three-year deal worth a maximum of $150.3 million.
two
Mitchell, 27, could hit free agency next summer, carrying a player option for 2025-26 on his old contract.
Instead, the 6-story guard committed to Cleveland for at least two more years while receiving a significant pay raise, with his salary increased from $37.1 million to $46.4 million next year.
The Cavaliers paid big to acquire the former Louisville standout in 2022, sending a trade package headlined by Lauri Markkanen and three first-round picks to the Utah Jazz.
In an appearance on Tuesday’s First Take, Windhorst — who initiated the resolution of the deal in Stephen A. Smith’s absence — said the team’s ability to retain its star player could not be overstated.
“I would say it’s the second-largest contract signing in team history since 1970 – after LeBron [James] returning in 2014,” said the NBA analyst.
Windhorst said the Cavaliers “absolutely had to secure” Mitchell, considering how much they invested in the playmaker.
“The reason the Jazz traded him two years ago was because they weren’t sure if he would sign this extension in a place that wasn’t one of his preferred destinations, possibly even New York,” he continued.
Windhorst went so far as to say that Mitchell is “arguably the second-best player in franchise history,” ahead of Kyrie Irving.
But several First Take viewers disputed his claim on social media.
“I mean, they had Irving and LeBron. They are way above him,” one wrote.
“Most overrated starter in the NBA,” added another.
“Second best? He didn’t do anything that was more disappointing after leaving the Jazz,” said a third.
“Second best???? So are we just going to erase Kyrie from the Cavs??” one wrote.
Mitchell averaged 26.6 points, 5.1 rebounds, 6.1 assists and 1.8 steals for Cleveland during the 2023-24 regular season.
He dealt with several injuries, however, making just 55 appearances.
The guard was injured again during the postseason, joining the Cavaliers’ long list of injuries during their second-round series with the Boston Celtics.
Boston ended up winning 4-1, ending the Cavs’ playoff run.
Cleveland then fired head coach JB Bickerstaff after five seasons at the helm.
A month later, they decided to hand the job over to Golden State Warriors assistant Kenny Atkinson.
It is Atkinson’s second head coaching job – he previously led the Brooklyn Nets between 2016-2020.
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
