Evan Mobley has secured a five-year contract extension with the Cleveland Cavaliers, worth at least $224 million, with the potential to reach $269 million if he meets the 30% max criteria, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
This max deal mirrors the extensions signed by fellow 2021 draft class members Cade Cunningham of the Detroit Pistons, Scottie Barnes of the Toronto Raptors, and Franz Wagner of the Orlando Magic, who are also set to earn a projected $52 million in the 2029-30 season.
Evan Mobley has shown significant improvement, averaging 18.4 points on 62.5% true shooting, 11.0 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 2.8 combined blocks and steals per 36 minutes last season, all career highs. An elite defender since his rookie year, Mobley’s offensive game is also expected to grow. His usage rate has remained around 20% in his first three seasons, indicating his current role as more of a play finisher and connective passer rather than a primary initiator.
Earlier this offseason, the Cavaliers extended star guard Donovan Mitchell’s contract, making Mobley’s extension the next priority. Assuming the deal lacks a player option, it’s a strategic win for the Cavaliers’ front office. While Mobley hasn’t yet reached star status, he is undoubtedly a cornerstone of the franchise. As the NBA’s salary cap increases due to a new broadcast-rights deal, Mobley’s contract will likely become more team-friendly over time.
There was speculation about the Cavaliers possibly splitting up their frontcourt of Mobley and Jarrett Allen or their backcourt of Mitchell and Darius Garland this summer. However, it seems all four players will return, and it’s now up to new coach Kenny Atkinson to optimize their performance on both ends of the court.
Notable 2021 draft class members who have yet to sign extensions include Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun and guard Jalen Green, Golden State Warriors forwards Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody, Magic guard Jalen Suggs, Chicago Bulls guard Josh Giddey, New Orleans Pelicans forward Trey Murphy III, and Washington Wizards forward Corey Kispert.
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