Cavaliers' Donovan Mitchell still noncommittal on long-term deal despite team owner's confidence

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Cleveland Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert recently expressed belief Donovan Mitchell will sign a contract extension with the team. 

"We’ve been talking to him, sure, for the last couple of years about extending this contract," Gilbert said in a recent interview with The Associated Press. "We think he will extend. I think if you listen to him talk, he loves the city.

However, Mitchell, who signed a five-year contract with the Utah Jazz in 2020, took a more measured approach when he responded to Gilbert's comments. 

"I got a lot of things to focus on outside of that right now to be honest," Mitchell told reporters Saturday. "I gotta focus on myself, getting back [from his knee injury] for this group, focusing on us getting over this stretch, continuing to be ready when it comes time."

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Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell shoots a foul shot during the second half of a game against the Atlanta Hawks March 28, 2023, in Atlanta.  (AP Photo/Hakim Wright Sr.)

According to the NBA's collective bargaining agreement, the five-time NBA All-Star is eligible to sign a four-year extension this summer. The contract could be worth up to an estimated $200 million. 

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"I’ll handle that when it comes," Mitchell said of extension talks. "I’m gonna give you the same answer."

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Mitchell's response probably stems from the NBA guard's desire to keep his options open. The 27-year-old is having another standout season, averaging 27.1 points and a career-best 6.1 assists per game.

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