NBA Rumors: Evan Mobley's $269M Cavs Contract Extension Has 15% Trade Kicker
July 25, 2024
Evan Mobley's recent rookie-scale maximum contract extension features a 15 percent trade kicker, according to HoopsHype's Michael Scotto.
Per Scotto, the deal is also fully guaranteed and does not include a player option or a team option.
Mobley agreed to a five-year, $224 million contract with the Cavaliers on Saturday (via ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski). The deal could eventually be worth as much as $269 million due to incentives and bonuses.
Mobley's trade kicker will bolster the big man's earnings in a big way should he get moved at any point after the new contract kicks in.
Despite Cleveland's second-round playoff exit, the front office didn't take any drastic action to shake up the roster this offseason.
Cleveland lost to the Boston Celtics in five games, though the series initially appeared to be much closer. The Celtics held a 2-1 series lead heading into Game 4, although Donovan Mitchell was unable to participate due to a calf strain. Jarrett Allen was also unable to suit up in the second round due to a rib contusion.
With the shorthanded Cavaliers putting up a fight against the eventual champions, team president Koby Altman likely wants to see how his squad looks with his full core on the floor in the postseason before potentially making any seismic moves.
Mobley has established himself as one of the league's top defenders since he was selected with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2021 NBA draft, finishing third in Defensive Player of the Year voting in 2023. He also averaged 15.7 points and 9.4 rebounds per game on 58.0/37.3/71.9 shooting splits during his 2023-24 campaign.
As the Cavaliers attempt to go on a deeper postseason run under new head coach Kenny Atkinson, Mobley will look to anchor the team's defense once again with his long-term future with the organization secured.