Evan Mobley Inks Five-Year Extension with Cavaliers
The Cleveland Cavaliers have officially re-signed Evan Mobley to a lucrative five-year contract extension, potentially worth up to $269 million. The base value of the deal is estimated at $224 million, with the possibility to escalate if Mobley meets the 30% max criteria.
For the Cavaliers, this move cements Mobley's role as a cornerstone of the franchise. Cavaliers President of Basketball Operations, Koby Altman, expressed his excitement about retaining the star forward, saying, “We are thrilled to sign Evan to a long-term extension, solidifying his place as a cornerstone of our franchise. Evan has quickly established himself as one of the premier defensive players in the league, and we've only scratched the surface of his overall potential. Since drafting him, he only knows winning basketball and has proven to be pivotal to our team's success.”
Mobley’s extension mirrors similar deals signed by his peers from the 2021 draft class, including Cade Cunningham, Scottie Barnes, and Franz Wagner. Each of these promising young talents is projected to earn $52 million in the final year of their contracts, marking substantial investments in the future of these franchises.
Mobley's Impact on the Court
Since entering the league, Mobley has made a significant impact, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. Last season, he averaged 18.4 points, 11.0 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per 36 minutes. His defensive prowess is underscored by his 2.8 combined blocks and steals per game. Additionally, his usage rate has been consistently around 20% throughout his first three seasons, indicating his integral role in the Cavs' game plan.
Mobley's performance has laid a solid foundation for his burgeoning career, and his signing ensures that the Cavaliers can continue to build around his versatile skill set. His defensive capabilities, coupled with his growing offensive portfolio, make him a dual threat that opposing teams must account for.
Reinforcements and New Leadership
In addition to Mobley's extension, the Cavaliers have also secured star guard Donovan Mitchell to a new deal this offseason. These moves highlight the franchise's commitment to securing a competitive roster for the forthcoming years.
Moreover, the team is set to embark on the new season under the guidance of their new head coach, Kenny Atkinson. His leadership will be pivotal as the Cavaliers aim to leverage their secured talent to achieve greater success in the upcoming seasons.
Waiting on the 2021 Draft Class
While Mobley and several other top picks from the 2021 draft have secured their future with significant contract extensions, a number of notable players from the same draft class are yet to ink new deals. The watch is on to see which teams will follow suit and lock down their future stars.
For now, the Cavaliers and their fans can celebrate ensuring that Evan Mobley remains at the heart of their team’s aspirations. As his career continues to blossom, expectations are high for Mobley to lead the Cavaliers into a new era of success, starting with this season under the stewardship of Coach Atkinson.