Evan Mobley’s stock has never been higher. Literally.
The 23-year-old agreed to a five-year, $226 million contract extension with the Cleveland Cavaliers on Saturday night, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. The deal could reach $270 million if Mobley makes the All-NBA team or wins Defensive Player of the Year next season.
Cleveland Cavaliers center Evan Mobley has agreed to a five-year, $224 million rookie maximum contract extension that could be worth as much as $269 million, Joe Smith and Thad Foucher said. @basketballwass Tell that to ESPN. image.twitter.com/sHu5KSb8aM
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 21, 2024
Mobley averaged 15.7 points (on 58/37/72 shooting), 9.4 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 1.4 blocks in 30.6 minutes per game last season, leading the Cavaliers to the second round of the playoffs, where they lost to the eventual champion Boston Celtics in five games. He scored a season-high 33 points in a Game 5 loss to Boston, and added seven rebounds, four assists and a pair of blocks in the loss.
Mobley will play the final season of his rookie contract under new coach Kenny Atkinson. The Cavaliers fired J.B. Bickerstaff after finishing 48-34 and in fourth place in the Eastern Conference.
Now that Mobley’s contract is secure, the biggest question about his future concerns the presence of Cleveland’s starting center, Jarrett Allen. The Cavaliers have struggled to field an elite offense when both Mobley and Allen (two non-shooting centers) share the court. Mobley’s effort in Allen’s absence during the playoffs lends credence to the idea that he could thrive as the team’s full-time starting center.
If the Cavaliers maintain their commitment to Allen, who is under contract through the 2025-26 season ($20 million annually), Mobley’s development of a consistent 3-point shot could help the two coexist offensively. His 37.3 percent shooting percentage from distance last season came on just 1.2 attempts per game.
On defense, Mobley is a crackerjack. He can protect the rim and switch sides to take on smaller defenders on the perimeter. His work in that department earned him a spot on the All-Defensive First Team and a third-place finish in the 2023 Defensive Player of the Year voting. If he finishes in first place next season, he’ll be even richer.