The Cleveland Cavaliers have secured a crucial piece of their future by re-signing Evan Mobley to a five-year maximum contract extension. The team announced the agreement on Tuesday, with Mobley’s agents informing ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski that the deal is worth a projected $224 million, potentially increasing to $269 million if Mobley meets the 30% max criteria.
This extension mirrors recent contracts signed by Cade Cunningham of the Detroit Pistons, Scottie Barnes of the Toronto Raptors, and Franz Wagner of the Orlando Magic, all fellow members of the 2021 draft class. Each of these players is set to earn a projected $52 million in the fifth year of their contracts (2029-30).
Last season, Mobley showcased his growing potential by 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, all career highs. Known for his elite defensive skills since his rookie year, Mobley has maintained a usage rate around 20% throughout his first three seasons. While his offensive game shows promise, particularly his face-up play, he has primarily served as a play finisher and a connective passer rather than an initiator.
Cleveland Cavaliers President of Basketball Operations Koby Altman expressed his excitement about the extension in a team statement: “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.”
Earlier this offseason, star guard Donovan Mitchell also extended his contract with the Cavaliers, and Mobley’s re-signing represents another significant move for the franchise. The extension, though seemingly expensive now, is expected to become more team-friendly as the NBA’s salary cap increases with the new broadcast-rights deal.
Despite speculation about potentially breaking up the frontcourt duo of Mobley and Jarrett Allen or the backcourt pair of Mitchell and Darius Garland, it appears that all four players will remain with the team. It will be 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 Alperen Sengun and Jalen Green of the Houston Rockets, Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody of the Golden State Warriors, Jalen Suggs of the Orlando Magic, Josh Giddey of the Chicago Bulls, Trey Murphy III of the New Orleans Pelicans, and Corey Kispert of the Washington Wizards.
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