Evan Mobley’s stock has never been higher. Literally.
The 23-year-old big man agreed to a five-year, $224 million rookie-scale max extension with the Cleveland Cavaliers on Saturday night, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. The deal could be worth up to $270 million if Mobley makes an All-NBA team or wins Defensive Player of the Year next season.
Cleveland Cavaliers F/C Evan Mobley agreed to a five-year, $224 million maximum rookie contract extension that could be worth up to $269 million, Joe Smith and Thad Foucher of @wassbasquete tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/sHu5KSb8aM
-Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 21, 2024
Mobley averaged 15.7 points (on 58/37/72 shooting splits), 9.4 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 1.4 blocks in 30.6 minutes per game last season, leading the Cavaliers to the second round of the playoffs, where they lost to the eventual champion. Boston Celtics in five games. He scored a season-high 33 points in a Game 5 loss to Boston, adding seven rebounds, four assists and a pair of blocks in the loss.
Mobley will play the final season of his rookie contract under new coach Kenny Atkinson. The Cavaliers fired JB Bickerstaff after finishing 48-34 and in fourth place in the Eastern Conference.
Now that Mobley’s contract is guaranteed, the biggest question surrounding his future concerns the presence of Cleveland’s starting center, Jarrett Allen. The Cavaliers have struggled to field an elite offense when Mobley and Allen — two great players who don’t play — share the court. Mobley’s effort in Allen’s absence during the playoffs lends credence to the idea that he could flourish as the team’s full-time starting center.
If the Cavaliers remain committed to Allen, who is signed through the 2025-26 season to a tradeable contract ($20 million annually), Mobley’s development of a consistent 3-point shot could help the two coexist offensively. His 37.3% shooting from distance last season came on just 1.2 attempts per game.
Defensively, Mobley is a stud. He can protect the rim and switch to smaller defenders on the perimeter. His work toward that end earned him a spot on the All-Defensive First Team and a third-place finish in Defensive Player of the Year voting in 2023. A first-place finish next season and he’ll be even richer.
