Cleveland, OH

Windhorst: Donovan Mitchell to Get $200M Cavs Contract Offer After Bickerstaff Firing

Published

2 years ago

May 24, 2024

Windhorst: Donovan Mitchell to Get 0M Cavs Contract Offer After Bickerstaff Firing

David Liam Kyle/NBAE via Getty Images

The Cleveland Cavaliers are reportedly expected to offer All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell a significant contract extension when they meet in three weeks.

Speaking on the Brian Windhorst & The Hoop Collective podcast, ESPN NBA insider Brian Windhorst broke down what will be on the agenda when Mitchell and the Cavs meet, including a likely $200 million contract offer:

“I will say this. In three weeks, the Cavs are going to meet with Donovan Mitchell. In that meeting there’s probably going to be three things that are on the agenda. One, they’re going to offer him a $200 million extension. Very kindly, with a lot of smiles and hope. Two, you’d like to think that the new head coach would be hired by that time and would have for him an idea of how he wants to play. How it would affect him and how it would affect the other players.

“And three, a concept of what they’re going to do for the roster this offseason. Big focus on that will be Darius Garland. While Darius Garland has not asked for a trade, the Darius Garland-Donovan Mitchell tandem—while I don’t think there’s any personal issues there, I don’t think that there’s any personal animus…maybe the new head coach will have an idea. Like, ‘Look, this is how we’re going to play.’”

After going 48-34 and reaching the second round of the playoffs this season, the Cavaliers fired head coach J.B. Bickerstaff this week. Given Mitchell’s status as the Cavs’ best player, the organization’s choice for its next head coach could have a significant impact on his decision of whether to re-sign.

Windhorst reported that while Mitchell did not ask for Bickerstaff to be fired, the Cavaliers “believe their chances of re-signing Donovan Mitchell are increased” thanks to the coaching change.

Cleveland acquired Mitchell from the Utah Jazz in a blockbuster trade prior to the 2022-23 season, sending Lauri Markkanen, Collin Sexton, Ochai Agbaji, three first-round picks and two pick swaps to Utah.

Mitchell was already a three-time All-Star when he arrived, and he has continued his excellent play with the Cavs.

Last season, Mitchell averaged a career-high 28.3 points to go along with 4.4 assists, 4.3 rebounds, 3.6 three-pointers made and 1.5 steals per game en route to finishing sixth in the NBA MVP voting.

This season, Spida averaged 26.6 points, 3.3 three-pointers made and a career-high 6.1 assists, 5.1 rebounds and 1.8 steals per contest, and he was named an All-Star for the fifth consecutive season.

Also, Mitchell led the Cavaliers to their first playoff series win of any kind since 2018 and their first playoff series win without LeBron James on the roster since 1993.

While Mitchell has seemingly been a good fit in Cleveland, the Cavaliers traded for him knowing there was a possibility they could lose him after the 2024-25 season.

Mitchell has just one year remaining on his contract, and if he declines to sign an extension, the Cavaliers will face the tough decision of whether to enter the 2024-25 season with him on an expiring contract or to attempt to trade him.

With a core of Mitchell, Garland, Jarrett Allen, Evan Mobley, Caris LeVert and Max Strus, the Cavs have a chance to be a top team in the Eastern Conference for many years to come, but that will depend heavily on Mitchell’s willingness to make a long-term commitment.

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Cleveland, OH

Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Brooklyn Nets prediction, pick for Sunday 3/1/26

Published

11 hours ago

March 1, 2026

Press Room

Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Brooklyn Nets prediction, pick for Sunday 3/1/26

Cooper Albers takes you through his preview, prediction and pick for Sunday’s NBA matchup between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Brooklyn Nets.

Eastern Conference rivals close their regular-season series on Sunday, as the Brooklyn Nets host the Cleveland Cavaliers at Barclays Center.

The Cavaliers (37–24, 4th East) have dropped back-to-back games without Donovan Mitchell and James Harden, albeit against far superior competition. They’ll aim for the three-game sweep of Brooklyn without Mitchell, while Harden remains questionable.

The Nets (15–44, 14th East) are mired in a brutal seven-game losing streak, including a 112–84 thumping in Cleveland on February 19.

Here’s a look at the Injury Report:

Cleveland Cavaliers

Out: Donovan Mitchell (Groin), Max Strus (Foot), Dean Wade (Ankle)
Questionable: James Harden (Thumb), Keon Ellis (Finger)

Brooklyn Nets

Out: Egor Demin (Heel), Drake Powell (G-League Assignment)
Questionable: Nic Claxton (Thumb)

Tipoff is set for 3:30 p.m. ET. Cleveland enters as a hefty 11.5-point road favorite on DraftKings Sportsbook, while Brooklyn sits as a +410 underdog. The game’s total is set at 222.5 points.

Cavaliers vs. Nets Preview

Cleveland Cavaliers Preview

The Cavaliers went all in at the NBA trade deadline, sending Darius Garland to Los Angeles for superstar guard James Harden. The gamble seemingly paid off, as the former MVP has fit seamlessly into the lineup alongside Donovan Mitchell. Cleveland went 6–1 after Harden’s debut, its lone loss coming against the defending champs in Oklahoma City.

But the momentum quickly stalled when both Harden and Mitchell hit the sidelines to nurse injuries. Cleveland has dropped back-to-back games in the star duo’s absence against Milwaukee and Detroit. And while Harden is listed as questionable for Sunday’s contest with a thumb fracture in his non-shooting hand, Mitchell remains out with a groin strain.

The Cavs are just 2–4 without Mitchell this season. If Harden stays out, they’ll likely keep relying on their accomplished frontcourt of Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen. Cleveland also features a solid veteran backup point guard in Dennis Schroder, along with a reliable sharpshooter in Sam Merrill.

Brooklyn Nets Preview

Brooklyn has won five games in 2026. Five.

Were any of these wins particularly impressive? Hardly. They beat a Nikola Jokic-less Denver Nuggets, the spiraling Chicago Bulls twice, the lowly Washington Wizards, and the tanking Utah Jazz.

The Nets rank dead last on both ends of the floor since January 1, disappointing even by their standards. They’ve lost seven games in a row, punctuated by a 37-point walloping in Boston on Friday night.

Michael Porter Jr. will continue trying to carry an increasingly strained offense without rookie standout Egor Demin. Brooklyn will also lean on its burgeoning frontcourt, comprising Noah Clowney and Nic Claxton (questionable).

Cavaliers vs. Nets Pick, Best Bet

Keep an eye on the injury report for this one. If Harden remains sidelined, Cleveland may lack the offensive firepower to pull away. But if the former MVP suits up, expect him and the Cavs to carve up Brooklyn’s porous defense and comfortably cover the 11.5-point spread.

Best Bet: Cleveland Cavaliers -11.5 (-110)

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Cleveland, OH

14-year-old girl shot on Cleveland’s East Side

Published

23 hours ago

March 1, 2026

Press Room

14-year-old girl shot on Cleveland’s East Side

CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) – A 14-year-old girl is in critical condition after being shot at a home Friday.

Police said around 7:15 p.m., officers from the Fifth District got a call for someone shot in the 1400 block of Lakeview Road.

When officers got on scene, a 14-year-old girl was found suffering from a gunshot wound.

Cleveland EMS took her to a nearby hospital, where she is listed in critical condition

A gun was recovered at the scene.

The incident remains under active investigation.

Police said additional information will be released as it becomes available.

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Cleveland, OH

Sokolowski’s University Inn co-owner dies

Published

1 day ago

February 28, 2026

Press Room

Sokolowski’s University Inn co-owner dies

CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) – Former co-owner of the legendary Cleveland restaurant Sokolowski’s University Inn has died.

Michael Sokolowski(WOIO)

65-year-old Michael Sokolowski passed away on Tuesday, according to his obituary.

Established in Tremont in 1923, Sokolowski’s University Inn was Cleveland’s oldest family-owned and operated restaurant. It was a recipient of the prestigious James Beard “American Classics” Award in 2014. It closed it doors for good in 2020.

Read Obit below

MICHAEL PAUL SOKOLOWSKI, age 65; passed away peacefully on February 24, 2026. Beloved husband of Patricia (nee McCue); loving father of George McDougall (Erika) and Sara; grandfather of Nicole and Emerson; Son of the late Bernard Sr. and Marion (nee Szwejkowski); dear brother of Bernard Jr. (Mary) and Mary Lou Balbier (Ronald); loving brother-in-law, uncle and dear friend of many. Mike was the co-owner of Sokolowski’s University Inn, a Cleveland landmark restaurant since 1923 and a James Beard Award winner. He played baseball and football for Cleveland Central Catholic and graduated from Otterbein University. Michael was a member of the Greater Cleveland Umpire Association, officiating many Cleveland Indians Fantasy Camps. He loved cooking and taught classes at the Polaris Career Center for their community culinary arts program. Mike loved music, attending many concerts, and playing drums in bands and for his parish church masses. Former President of the Cleveland Society of Poles and a member of the Knights of Columbus Trinity Council. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Cleveland Central Catholic High School, 6550 Baxter Ave., Cleveland, OH 44105.

Mass of Christian burial at St. John Cantius Catholic Church, 906 College Ave, Cleveland, Saturday, March 7, 2026 at 12 noon. Interment to follow at Holy Cross Cemetery. Family and friends received at the church, Saturday from 10 a.m.-12 noon.

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