NBA Rumors: Evan Mobley, Cavs Discuss Contract Extension; Not at a 'Giant Impasse'

The Cleveland Cavaliers and Evan Mobley haven't reached a contract extension yet, but a deal is reportedly expected "somewhat soon."

ESPN's Brian Windhorst said he believes the Cavs are willing to offer Mobley his five-year maximum on his next contract.

"I know that the two sides have talked. It's not like it's a giant impasse, I don't believe. I would expect the contract to be done somewhat soon," Windhorst noted on ESPN Cleveland (30-second mark). "I think the Cavs are willing to give him the max, and quite frankly, they don't have a leg to stand on now that the guys around him in their draft class with comparable statistics and comparable futures have gotten the max."

The Designated Player Extension would make Mobley eligible to earn up to $270 million if he makes an All-NBA team or wins Defensive Player of the Year or MVP next season. Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner, Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes and Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham all signed max extensions this offseason.

Should Mobley not qualify for Designated Player status, he would make an estimated $224 million over his five-year deal.

Mobley averaged 15.7 points, 9.4 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game last season. While he has plateaued a bit from his stellar rookie season, that's partially a byproduct of Mobley playing next to another natural center in Jarrett Allen. Mobley and Allen are an imperfect basketball fit in the modern NBA, and they both would arguably benefit from a separation individually.

The Cavs' acquisition of Donovan Mitchell also limited the amount Mobley could hone his game by being more aggressive offensively. After averaging 12.0 shots per game his first two seasons, Mobley was down to a career-low 11.1 in 2023-24.

Despite the general plateau in counting stats, Mobley remains a skilled 23-year-old big with rim protection skills and efficient numbers across the board. The Cavs don't have much of a recourse to offer him anything besides his full max and hope he develops into an All-Star.