Donovan Mitchell will earn nearly $24,000 per minute played
Donovan Mitchell’s new contract with the Cavaliers is historic: a $272.8 million extension that works out to nearly $24,000 for every minute he spends on the court
The Cleveland Cavaliers have officially locked up Donovan Mitchell. On the first day he became eligible to sign an extension, the former Jazz star agreed to a new four-year, $272.8 million contract, which includes a player option for the 2030-31 season and a 15% trade kicker that would increase his salary if he’s dealt.
The extension cements Mitchell as the face of the franchise for years to come and the player Cleveland intends to build around after a season that ended with a deep playoff run.
Brian Windhorst of ESPN emphasized the significance of the agreement:
This is a huge win for the Cavaliers organization
Brian Windhorst
Donovan Mitchell will earn nearly $24,000 for every minute Played
The total value of the contract is staggering, but it becomes even more remarkable when compared to the actual time Mitchell is expected to spend on the floor.
Based on an average annual salary of roughly $68.2 million and an average of 35 minutes per game, the Cavaliers star will earn approximately $23,700 for every minute he plays.
That puts the deal into perspective: every second Mitchell spends on the court will be worth roughly $396, while each regular-season game carries a salary value of more than $830,000.
Mitchell turned down nearly $80 million
Mitchell’s decision is also noteworthy from a financial standpoint. By waiting one more season, he could have become eligible for a five-year extension worth approximately $353 million – nearly $80 million more than the deal he ultimately accepted.
As Shams Charania reported:
The additional $80 million was available from the first day Donovan Mitchell became eligible for an extension
Shams Charania
Despite having the opportunity to sign an even richer contract, Mitchell chose long-term stability and reaffirmed his commitment as the cornerstone of the Cavaliers. With this extension, his career earnings will surpass $511 million.
How the new contract is structured
The extension will take effect beginning with the 2027-28 season, as Mitchell is still set to earn $50.1 million under his current contract during the 2026-27 campaign.
His new salary will increase each season:
| Season | Salary |
|---|---|
| 2027-28 | $60.9 million |
| 2028-29 | $65.7 million |
| 2029-30 | $70.6 million |
| 2030-31* | $75.5 million |
The deal also includes a 15% trade kicker, meaning Mitchell’s salary would increase if he were traded, in accordance with NBA salary cap rules.
Cleveland also dreams of bringing back LeBron James
Mitchell’s extension may only be the first step in an ambitious offseason for the Cavaliers. According to Shams Charania, the franchise’s top priority is now attempting to bring LeBron James back to Cleveland.
Adding the four-time NBA champion would provide another elite talent to an already competitive roster, and Mitchell has reportedly given the idea his full support.
Mitchell has made it clear that he would welcome LeBron James back to Cleveland and wants to see the Cavaliers continue improving the roster after their run to the Eastern Conference Finals
Shams Charania
Cleveland’s direction is clear: Donovan Mitchell is the face of the franchise and the foundation for its future. Now the challenge is turning that massive investment into something even bigger – perhaps with another major move that could put the Cavaliers over the top in their pursuit of an NBA championship.