Why Cavs $224 million Evan Mobley contract extension isn’t an overpay
The way Evan Mobley has played early into his career has made him worth every penny.
By Evan DammarellJul 22, 2024 at 4:46 PM ET
Evan Mobley with dollar signs for eyes with a Cavs-colored background.
When news broke that the Cleveland Cavaliers and star big man Evan Mobley to a five-year, $224 million maximum rookie-scale extension that could be worth nearly $270 million, it seemed like the obvious next step in Cleveland’s offseason plans. Sure, Mobley might still have questions about his perimeter game, playmaking, and whether or not he’s best suited as a power forward or center.
To some, this mammoth deal might seem like an even more significant overpayment for Mobley’s services, considering the questions surrounding his offensive game. However, if it weren’t for Mobley, the Cavs wouldn’t be where they are today, and the notion of an overpayment seems shortsighted.
Granted, having Donovan Mitchell on the roster helps make life easier for Cleveland. But there’s still only so much Mitchell can do on the court most nights, and that’s where Mobley’s actual value comes to light.
Cleveland was among the NBA’s worst when the Cavs took Mobley with the No. 3 pick in the 2021 NBA Draft. But, the moment Mobley took the floor for the Cavs, he was a spark on the defensive side of the ball, frustrating opponents with his multifaceted abilities.
