While most teams have already made significant moves to improve their roster this summer, the Cleveland Cavaliers have been rather quiet during free agency. Until today, the only move they had made was re-signing Donovan Mitchell with a three-year $150.3 million extension earlier this month. Although they are yet to add a new player to the mix, the front office got to work again, as they reportedly finalized a massive extension with 23-year-old Evan Mobley and that was enough for Mitchell to lightheartedly taunt the young star.

As per multiple reports, Evan Mobley has agreed to sign a five-year $224 million maximum rookie extension to stay in Cleveland. And that number could go as high as $269 million if Mobley fulfills all the criteria. While his teammate secured a bag, Donovan Mitchell was happy for one particular reason that he didn’t fail to point out. “PAY THE MAN‼️‼️ IM NOT PAYING FOR NOTHIN NO MORE😂😂😂 CONGRATS BROTHA @evanmobley,” Mitchell wrote on X.

Ever since Mitchell signed his extension, his teammates likely urged him to pick up the bill any time they went out to party. Well, now the five-time All-Star doesn’t have to worry about that because the onus will fall on Mobley, as he could make $119 million more than his veteran leader! More importantly, Spida will be relieved to know that the young Power Forward will remain his running mate at least for a few more years. Averaging nearly a double-double in the playoffs with 16 points and 9.3 assists, Mobley proved his worth to the Cavs.

But what stood out was Mobley’s performance against the eventual champions, Boston Celtics in the 2nd round as he had a 21-point outing in the only game that Cavs won, followed by a 33-point performance in the elimination game. Even Donovan was impressed by the Forward’s breakout performance in the second game. “First of all, I wanna give a huge shout out to Evan Mobley. Like man like stepped up big time… to come out here on the road as a young player, that’s a big-time performance to set the tone for us.”

The Darius Garland dilemma

While the Cavs have solidified the two superstars they want to build their future around with Mobley and Mitchell’s extension, they still need to decide what to do with Darius Garland. Just two years ago, they signed the point guard on a five-year $193 million max rookie extension. However, it has become clear in the last two seasons that the Donovan Mitchell-Darius Garland pairing does not work well on the court because both stars are ball-dominant guards. Because of that, there have been speculations about the Cavs willing to trade DG this summer, likely hoping to get major assets in exchange to improve their roster.

Although Garland has not excelled around Mitchell, he is a great young talent who is a career 18.4-point scorer with elite playmaking ability. So, many teams would be interested in taking the guard off the Cavs’ hands. However, veteran Insider Brian Windhorst believes, “I don’t think the market is there for Darius Garland, and I think Koby Altman knows this… So, I think it’s a terrible time to trade Darius Garland.” 

While there has been reported interest from several teams including the Lakers and the Heat, who are desperately looking for more firepower, those teams might not have much to offer in return for Garland considering his massive potential. More so because DG’s performance took a hit this past season, which could’ve hurt his trade value for now. So, if the Cavs hold on to him at least for another year, both parties could benefit from parting ways then, rather than doing it right away.

But Mobley’s extension hints at the Cavs heading toward a future without Garland. What are your thoughts?