In what could be the most obvious move in the NBA this season, the Cavaliers have picked up Evan Mobley 's fourth-year option, ensuring he'll remain in Cleveland for the 2024-25 season.
Last season, Mobley's second in the league, he scored 16.2 points on 55% shooting to go along with 9.0 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.5 blocks per game. He was also named a finalist for NBA Defensive Player of the Year and made the 2022-23 NBA All-Defensive First Team.
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Mobley's progression is perhaps the biggest key to how far the Cavs can go this season as they size up a bulked-up Eastern Conference thanks to the additions in Milwaukee and Boston. Cavs coach J.B. Bickerstaff has said on multiple occasions that Mobley has the chance to impose the biggest impact in a game on a nightly basis.
After the playoff loss to the Knicks , Mobley added an in-home gym in an effort to bulk up.
The Cavs have attempted to create a contention window based upon Mobley's possible ascension into a star, along with Darius Garland , Jarrett Allen and, of course, Donovan Mitchell , who came over in the blockbuster trade from the Utah Jazz before last season.
With Mobley always going to be locked up for that fourth season, Mitchell's future with the team is the biggest question mark . It's possible he could sign a long-term extension with the Cavs next summer. It's also possible the two sides can't come to an agreement, and suddenly Cleveland might need to explore trade options. Mitchell is under contract for next season and has a player option for 2025-26.
Ryan Lewis can be reached at rlewis@thebeaconjournal.com. Follow him on Twitter at @ByRyanLewis .
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Cleveland Cavaliers pick up Evan Mobley's fourth-year option
