Evan Mobley has secured a five-year maximum contract extension with the Cleveland Cavaliers, as announced by the team on Tuesday. The extension is reportedly worth $224 million, with the potential to reach up to $269 million if Mobley meets the criteria for the 30% maximum salary.
This extension mirrors those signed by Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham, Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes, and Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner—fellow members of the 2021 draft class. All four players are set to earn around $52 million in the fifth year of their deals (2029-30).
Last season, Mobley had a standout year, averaging career highs of 18.4 points, 11.0 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 2.8 combined blocks and steals per 36 minutes, with a 62.5% true shooting percentage. Known for his elite defensive skills since his rookie season, the Cavaliers are hopeful Mobley will continue to develop his offensive game. While his usage rate has remained around 20% in his first three seasons, Mobley has largely been a finisher and connective passer rather than a primary initiator.
Cavaliers President of Basketball Operations, Koby Altman, expressed enthusiasm about the extension, emphasizing Mobley’s role as a key player for the team. Altman highlighted Mobley’s defensive prowess and potential for growth since joining the team.
Earlier this offseason, star guard Donovan Mitchell also signed an extension with Cleveland. Assuming Mobley’s deal does not include a player option, it represents a significant win for the Cavs’ front office. Although Mobley is not yet a star, he is considered a cornerstone of the franchise. The extension might seem costly now but is expected to become more favorable as the salary cap increases due to the NBA’s new broadcast-rights deal.
Speculation had arisen about the potential breakup of Cleveland’s frontcourt of Mobley and Jarrett Allen or its backcourt of Mitchell and Darius Garland. However, with Mobley’s extension, it appears all four key players will remain, and new coach Kenny Atkinson will need to optimize their performance on both ends of the court.
Several notable members of the 2021 draft class, such as Houston Rockets’ Alperen Sengun and Jalen Green, Golden State Warriors’ Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody, Magic’s Jalen Suggs, Chicago Bulls’ Josh Giddey, New Orleans Pelicans’ Trey Murphy III, and Washington Wizards’ Corey Kispert, have yet to sign extensions.
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