Former Sixers Trade Target Expected to Turn Down Extension

The Philadelphia 76ers could be a team that shows interest in Donovan Mitchell in the future.

Mar 15, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) defends | David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

During the first week of the regular season, the Philadelphia 76ers went through a major change. Daryl Morey executed a trade with the LA Clippers, bringing in draft capital and veterans in exchange for a disgruntled James Harden.

Following this trade, the Sixers had the assets needed to swing another big trade. Among the players connected to them early in the year was Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell. Recent developments suggest that the front office should continue to monitor his situation.

In a recent story for Bleacher Report, Eric Pincus reported that Mitchell is expected to seek out a new team in the near future. The only thing that could keep him on the Cavaliers long-term is if the team were able to make a run to the NBA Finals.

“The buzz in NBA circles suggests that barring a run to the NBA Finals, Mitchell will decline an extension and look elsewhere, and the Cavaliers are more likely than not to move him well before he can leave outright as a free agent.”

Mitchell, 27, is still one of the top offensive guards in the NBA. This season, he is averaging 26.4 PPG, 5.1 RPG, and 6.0 APG. As for his contract, Mitchell is signed through next season and then has a $37 million player option for 2026.

As the regular season comes to a close, the Cavaliers are battling for a top spot in the Eastern Conference. They currently sit in fourth place.

From a fit perspective, Mitchell is the exact type of high-powered guard to pair with Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid. Seeing that Morey is always looking to make a big trade or signing, he’d surely enter the fray if Cleveland did decide to move on from Mitchell.