Woj: Donovan Mitchell Denies Cavaliers Rumors, Says 'I Am Happy in Cleveland'

Amid speculation that he's unhappy with his situation and could seek a trade this offseason, Cleveland Cavaliers star guard Donovan Mitchell has made it clear that those rumors are not accurate.

ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported on Thursday's episode of NBA Countdown that he spoke directly with Mitchell and the 27-year-old denied the notion that he was looking to depart Cleveland soon.

"I reached out to Donovan Mitchell today," Wojnarowski said (h/t RealGM). "And he was emphatic in telling me that he is not disgruntled with anyone or anything in Cleveland. In fact, he said to me, 'I am happy in Cleveland. I've been happy since I arrived in Cleveland.'"

The Cavaliers acquired Mitchell from the Utah Jazz prior to the 2022-23 season. He's been selected to the All-Star Game in each of the last five years and helped lead Cleveland to a run to the Eastern Conference Semifinals, but he suffered a calf injury that sidelined him for the final two games of the series and the team lost to the Boston Celtics in five games.

Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com reported earlier on Thursday that Mitchell "grew frustrated with some teammates' lack of maturity, focus, playoff-level readiness and a willingness to listen" at times during the 2023-24 season. Wojnarowski noted that Mitchell believes the team improved, but he's not satisfied with how things ended.

"He thinks this team has made progress this season," Wojnarowski said. "Obviously, winning that best-of-seven first-round series against the Magic to get to the Conference Semifinals for the first time since 2018. But as he said, he's not in this to go to the second round of the Eastern Conference playoffs."

Mitchell is entering the final year of his contract, and it's expected that the Cavs will offer him a maximum extension of nearly $200 million over four years. He told Wojnarowski that he's in no rush to make a decision, but he's motivated to get back to work.

"Donovan Mitchell knows the question that is coming for him now in this offseason about his future in Cleveland," Wojnarowski said. "He said, 'I know I've got a decision to make this offseason. My agent and I will talk to Cleveland about that at the right time.' He emphasized, 'I'm not leaving this season unhappy. I'm leaving it more determined.'"