Donovan Mitchell Reveals Unique Reason Why He Wanted To Stay in Cleveland

Mitchell is in his fourth season with the Cavaliers. But here's a big reason why he wanted to stay.

Mar 30, 2026; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) brings the ball up the court against the Utah Jazz during the second half at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images | Rob Gray-Imagn Images

Eat it up, Cavs fans.

All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell is in The Land, and his appetite is a big reason why.

Mitchell, who signed a three-year, $150+ million extension with the Cavs in 2024 (that runs through next season with a player option for ’27-28), recently admitted that the Cavs’ food program played a big role in why he signed the extension with Cleveland nearly two years ago.

“Part of (the food) is why I re-signed here,” Mitchell told The Athletic’s Joe Vardon.

And no, he’s (sadly) not talking about Cleveland favorites like Po’Boys or pierogies.

Spida’s instead referencing the top-notch meals the Cavs provide their players, coaches, staff and broadcasters, not only at home, but also while on the road. Per Vardon, the team hires top chefs in each hotel the team stays in that caters for at least two meals day/night for the entire travel party.

No Uncrustables and orange slices for these guys.

(Their loss!)

“When you have a team that, and it’s not BS food either, it’s like the top chefs making it in front of you, and it’s like gluten-free, dairy-free, all the right stuff,” Mitchell continued. “When you have a team that believes in nutrition as much as they believe in medical, and what you do on the floor, I think it shows the mindset of the organization.”

That mindset, with the guidance of top chefs, has aided Mitchell in scoring nearly 28 points per game this season to go along with more than four boards and nearly six assists.

Donovan Mitchell was traded from Utah to Cleveland in September 2022

The Cavs provide numerous options, healthy and not so healthy (like ice cream) and occasionally wine. They’re also flexible, setting up at the team hotel and/or outside the locker room when on the road. Options are plentiful and the food receives rave reviews. Of course, the meals are at no cost to the team or their traveling party; the team foots the bill.

“That’s what stood out for me, like, it costs a lot, but this is an organization that’s willing to do that for its players,” Mitchell said, per Vardon.

Did you hear that, LeBron?

Kidding. Sort of.

While the cuisine and the chefs cooking it may not have been enough to keep the likes of Kyrie Irving or LeBron James in Cleveland, it’s been enough to keep Mitchell fat and happy (OK, phat and happy) in Northeast Ohio.

It’s also prevented Cavaliers fans from having a sour taste in their mouths.