Amidst a relatively quiet offseason for the Cleveland Cavaliers, they have been trying to keep their core together. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst reports the Cavs are willing to offer Evan Mobley the five-year maximum on his next contract. Mobley is eligible for a five-year 224 million dollar deal this summer. Let’s dive into what this means for all sides.
The Cavaliers are expected to reach an agreement soon with Evan Mobley on a max extension, per @WindhorstESPN (https://t.co/O9fVHL7xd3).
Mobley would join Cade Cunningham, Scottie Barnes and Franz Wagner as players from the 2021 draft class to receive rookie-scale max deals. pic.twitter.com/XB65tg2cRC
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) July 11, 2024
Cavs to Give Evan Mobley a $224 Million Contract
Since drafted third overall by Cleveland in 2021. Evan Mobley has been exactly what the Cavs expected. Through three seasons he is averaging 15.6 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 2.3 stocks per game. Mobley, 23, made the NBA’s All-Defensive First Team in his sophomore season, where he was the second youngest player to achieve the feat ever at the time. Additionally, Mobley finished third in the Defensive Player of the Year race that season and was the runner-up for Rookie of the Year in 2022. The Cavs not only know what they have in Mobley now, but they believe in him for the future. Committing $200+ million to a player is a lot however, Mobley has tremendous upside. The big man is already one of the best rim protectors in basketball and is improving offensively. Also, this past season Mobley started shooting threes at a 37.3% clip, vastly increasing his offensive versatility. This upcoming season Mobley will play under new Cavs head coach Kenny Atkinson, one of the better offensive minds in the game meaning he is poised for a breakout.
What Extension Means
Signing Mobley to a massive extension will lock him into Cleveland until 2029. The Cavs already signed superstar guard Donovan Mitchell to an extension earlier this offseason. Furthermore, Darius Garland and Jarrett Allen are also under contract for the foreseeable future meaning the Cavs are committed to this core. The Cavs already are tight on cap space, extending Mobley would further compound that issue. The good thing is the salary cap will continue to increase as it has for years. Especially with the NBA’s new $76 billion dollar media rights deal. Though Mobley’s contract may seem expensive right now will be good value in two to three years. Locking up the core four was a priority of the Cavs front office and extending Mobley this completes that.
A Crucial Season for Mobely and the Cavs
This season will be a major for this iteration of the Cavaliers. Adding a new head coach will likely improve the offensive woes that held this team back for years. Keeping Mobley under contract for the foreseeable future will mean he is in Cleveland for his prime. Despite not adding many new faces this offseason. Having stars extend in Cleveland is not something fans are accustomed to. Seeing Mitchell, Garland, Allen, and potentially Mobley call Cleveland their home is massive for the franchise.
