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Donovan Mitchell Reveals Exact Moment He Made Major Cavaliers Decision
The Cleveland Cavaliers played the Brooklyn Nets in Paris last season as part of the NBA's Global Games. Not only did the Cavaliers defeat the Nets, but Donovan Mitchell also erupted for 45 points.
Cleveland lost to the Boston Celtics in the 2024 Eastern Conference Semifinals in five games. Some thought Mitchell would leave the Cavaliers last summer, but the All-Star shooting guard wound up signing a three-year, $150 million extension.
During an interview with Melissa Rohlin of Fox Sports, Mitchell admitted that he decided he would stay with the Cavaliers during the Paris trip.
"When we were in Paris, it just felt different," Mitchell said. "You had that feeling that this is where you want to be. I felt that early on, too. But once we did the Paris trip, I knew I was coming back, for sure."
The Cavaliers are the No. 1 seed in the 2025 Eastern Conference playoffs. Although Cleveland is down 2-0 to the Indiana Pacers in the conference semifinals, Mitchell has had a blast this year.
Cleveland Cavaliers shooting guard Donovan Mitchell© Ken Blaze-Imagn Images"It's been one of the best seasons of my life," Mitchell said. "I'm glad I'm here. Obviously, it's no secret: Did I want to go home (in 2022)? I mean, yeah, sure. But coming here, seeing the group we had, understanding what we could continue to build, it wasn't long before I was like, man, this is special."
Mitchell made his sixth All-Star team this year. He averaged 24.0 points during the regular season while shooting 36.8% from 3.
The Cavaliers swept the Miami Heat in the first round of the playoffs. The franchise is looking to make the NBA Finals for the first time since 2018.
"The city of Cleveland has really won me over," Mitchell said. "I really enjoy being there. It feels like home. That's my biggest thing. Basketball is going to be basketball. But you spend most of your time there and I feel like it's home. It feels safe. I feel like I'm at peace. And that's truly one of the biggest things for me."
Related: Donovan Mitchell Reveals Team He Wanted Jazz to Trade Him to in 2022
