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Cleveland guard Donovan Mitchell signs record extension

PUBLISHED Jul 7, 2026, 3:25 PM ET

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Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell has agreed to a four-year, $273 million maximum contract extension, his agency Creative Artists Agency confirmed on Tuesday morning, July 7, 2026. The deal replaces Mitchell’s player option for the 2027-28 season and is structured to run through 2029-30, with a player option for 2030-31. The contract includes a full 15% trade kicker, underscoring Cleveland’s intention to keep the seven-time All-Star as its long-term centerpiece. Based on current NBA cap projections, the extension starts at 35% of the 2027-28 cap with 8% annual raises and sets a new league record for average annual salary value.

By Lauren Mitchell | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

2027-28 Mitchell extension scheduled to begin
2027-28 Salary projected at about $60.1 million
2028-29 Annual salary projected near $65.7 million
2029-30 Contract year projected at $70.6 million
2030-31 Player option worth about $75.5 million
July 7, 2026 Agency confirms max extension agreement
July 7, 2026 ESPN reports terms and salary structure

News Intelligence

Donovan Mitchell's record-breaking contract shows the value NBA teams place on top players. It's a reminder that sports can be a lucrative career. If you have kids interested in basketball, encourage their passion. They might not become the next Mitchell, but skills like teamwork and discipline will serve them well.