The Cleveland Cavaliers have made a significant move to secure their future by re-signing Evan Mobley to a five-year contract extension. Mobley, who has quickly established himself as a standout player since entering the league, is set to continue his journey with the Cavaliers under a lucrative deal valued at an estimated $224 million.
The agreement has the potential to escalate to $269 million if Mobley meets the 30% max criteria, placing him among the highest earners in the NBA. This extension mirrors the recent contracts signed by fellow 2021 draft class members Cade Cunningham, Scottie Barnes, and Franz Wagner. Each of these talented players is projected to earn around $52 million in the fifth year of their contracts, during the 2029-30 season.
Mobley's impact on the court, especially on the defensive end, has been pivotal for the Cavaliers. During the last season, he averaged an impressive 18.4 points, 11.0 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 2.8 combined blocks and steals per 36 minutes. Mobley's consistent usage rate, which has stayed around 20% across his first three NBA seasons, highlights his integral role in the team's dynamics.
Cavaliers' President of Basketball Operations, Koby Altman, couldn't be more pleased with the extension. "We are thrilled to sign Evan to a long-term extension, solidifying his place as a cornerstone of our franchise. Evan has quickly established himself as one of the premier defensive players in the league, and we've only scratched the surface of his overall potential. Since drafting him, he only knows winning basketball and has proven to be pivotal to our team's success," Altman stated.
In addition to Mobley's extension, the Cavaliers have also locked in star guard Donovan Mitchell for the foreseeable future, signaling a clear intent to build a formidable team. This offseason has been crucial for the Cavaliers as they aim to solidify their core and build a sustainable winning culture.
With the entry of new coach Kenny Atkinson, the Cavaliers are gearing up for an exciting season ahead. Atkinson's arrival brings fresh strategies and philosophies to the team, which hopes to leverage the potential of its young stars like Mobley and Mitchell.
However, not all of Mobley's draft classmates have secured their futures yet. Several notable players from the 2021 draft class are still in negotiations for extensions, which will be crucial for their respective teams as the new season approaches.
As the Cavaliers prepare for the upcoming season, Mobley's re-signing stands as a testament to the team's confidence in his abilities and the bright future they envision with him at the helm. The investment in Mobley, both financially and strategically, underscores the Cavaliers' commitment to rising as a competitive force within the NBA.