The Cleveland Cavaliers are undoubtedly pleased that they were able to secure Evan Mobley for the long term with a new contract extension, but a recent survey of NBA personnel had it voted as the worst move in the league this offseason.
Earlier this month, Mobley and the Cavs agreed to a five-year extension worth $224 million that could be worth up to $269 million. It goes a long way in keeping the core of Donovan Mitchell (who also received an extension this offseason), Darius Garland, Jarrett Allen and Mobley together in Cleveland in order to pursue a second NBA championship for the franchise.
Mobley’s brother Isaiah, a Cavaliers teammate, was one of those who was particularly thrilled about the new deal.
However, in the survey of 18 NBA coaches, scouts and executives, in response to the question, “What was the worst move of the NBA offseason?” Evan Mobley’s extension garnered one of the votes.
The roles of the Chicago Bulls and Sacramento Kings in the three-team trade that moved DeMar DeRozan to the Kings topped the list, tying the Philadelphia 76ers’ addition of Paul George as a free agent.
Here is a look at the complete voting:
Chicago’s part in the DeMar DeRozan trade: 3 votes
Sacramento’s part in the DeRozan trade: 3
Paul George signed by the 76ers: 3
Denver losing Kentavious Caldwell-Pope: 2
Mikal Bridges traded to the [New York] Knicks: 2
Dejounte Murray traded by the New Orleans Pelicans: 1
Evan Mobley’s extension in Cleveland: 1
[Los Angeles] Lakers’ inactivity: 1
Isaiah Hartenstein signed by Oklahoma City: 1
Chicago’s part in the Alex Caruso/Josh Giddey deal: 1
This past season, Evan Mobley averaged 15.7 points, 9.4 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game, very much in line with his overall career marks compiled over three NBA seasons.
However, the 23-year-old was able to appear in just 50 regular-season games, the fewest since he was the No. 3 overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft out of the University of Southern California.
NBA insider Brian Windhorst has said the Cavs can win an NBA title in the next three years if Evan Mobley can keep up the level of play he showed at times during the 2024 NBA Playoffs.
In addition, the Cavs reportedly are hopeful that Evan Mobley’s development will be helped by new head coach Kenny Atkinson, who was hired this offseason to replace J.B. Bickerstaff, who was fired after a second-round loss to the Boston Celtics.
With Evan Mobley in the fold, the Cavs are well-positioned to contend in the Eastern Conference as they try to make it back to the NBA Finals for the first time since 2018.
