Windhorst: Evan Mobley Likely to Get Max Cavs Contract amid Donovan Mitchell Rumors

Looking ahead to the offseason, a lot of issues remain unresolved for the Cleveland Cavaliers. When it comes to Evan Mobley, the situation might be pretty straightforward.

At the 43:41 mark in the newest episode of his Hoop Collective podcast, ESPN's Brian Windhorst speculated the Cavs are "gonna extend Mobley probably at the max, probably in very, very early July."

Mobley is eligible to sign an extension this summer, a year out from his restricted free agency in 2025.

The 22-year-old doesn't profile as an immediate flight risk because he's under contract for 2024-25 and the Cavs will have matching rights if he becomes a restricted free agent.

But a report from The Athletic's Shams Charania, Joe Vardon and Jason Lloyd in the aftermath of Cleveland's playoff exit pointed to some matters specific to Mobley. The most notable revelation was that his representatives "cautioned" the Cavs not to pick the 6'11" forward. With Jarrett Allen already on the roster, it was unclear how he'd fit into the frontcourt.

Now three years into Mobley's career, that question continues to linger.

It increasingly looks like Cleveland will have to have to choose between Donovan Mitchell or Darius Garland in the backcourt. The Athletic reported Garland's reps may request a trade if Mitchell, who's also extension-eligible, pledges his long-term future to the Cavaliers.

The front office may face a similar situation with Allen, who's under contract for two more years.

Windhorst reported on his podcast that the team could begin to explore the 2021-22 All-Star's trade market this summer. If the Cavs wind up re-signing Mobley at or near the max salary, then it would arguably be a pretty firm sign as to which of the two big men they value the most moving forward.