Donovan Mitchell enters his ninth season as the engine of Cleveland's offense, coming off a 27.9-point, plus-7.2 net rating season on a usage rate above 31 percent. He is healthy, signed through 2030-31 at a rising annual rate, and which lineup he shares the floor with decides how well that production translates to winning.
What is Mitchell's job on this roster?
Donovan Mitchell is still Cleveland's lead scorer, not just its go-to shot. He averaged 27.9 points on a 31.1 percent usage rate last season, second only to his assist total of 5.7 a game as a sign he shares ball-handling with James Harden. His 48.3 percent shooting and 61.3 true shooting mark show he scored that volume without forcing bad shots.
How good were his advanced numbers last season?
Mitchell posted a 119.3 offensive rating and 112.1 defensive rating last season, a net rating of plus-7.2 that topped every regular in Cleveland's rotation. His 26.6 assist percentage shows he set up teammates at a near-elite clip for a shooting guard, while his 6.5 rebound percentage confirms he leaves the glass to the bigs.
What does his contract actually look like?
Mitchell is owed $50.1 million this season, the first of a run that climbs to $60.9 million in 2027-28 on a player option, then $65.8 million, $70.7 million and $75.5 million through 2030-31. That deal ties him to Cleveland into his mid-30s and locks the Cavaliers into the luxury tax for years, not just this one.
Is Mitchell healthy heading into camp?
Mitchell is not on the injury report, a rare clean slate on a roster that already has one regular sidelined. At 30 and entering his ninth season, his health matters as much as his numbers: his 33.5 minutes a game last season was the heaviest workload on the team, and Cleveland needs him to carry that same load from night one.
Which lineups actually work with him on the floor?
The best five-man lineup built around Mitchell last season added J. Allen, D. Wade, E. Mobley and J. Tyson for a plus-15.4 net rating over 80 minutes. Swap in D. Garland and D. Hunter for Allen and Wade, and that same Mitchell-Mobley-Tyson frame collapsed to a minus-14.7 mark over 89 minutes. Fit around him still matters as much as raw talent.
Is Donovan Mitchell injured?
No. He is not on the injury report entering camp.
How much money is Donovan Mitchell owed by the Cavaliers?
He is owed $50.1 million in 2026-27, the first season of a deal that runs through 2030-31 at $75.5 million in the final year.
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