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Evan Mobley was a key starter on a playoff team. Beyond his offensive game, Mobley has great potential as a versatile defender. The Cleveland Cavaliers got past the Magic before falling to the Celtics in the second round. The franchise seems committed to the Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, Jarrett Allen and Mobley core (perhaps with Max Strus as the fifth starter, long-term TBD).
2023-24 averages (50 games, 50 starts): 30.6 minutes, 15.7 points, 9.4 rebounds, 58.0 percent from the field
Closest comps: Haliburton, Edwards
March expectation: From the Vassell/McDaniels range to Bane’s near max.
Extension: $224.2 million over five additional seasons, starting at $38.7 million; $243.5 million (42.5 million) or $269.1 million ($46.4 million) if qualified; 15 percent trade kicker
Grade: B-
Mobley’s salary can climb to 27.5 percent of the cap or 30 percent, depending on how he qualifies. Is he a “max” player? That’s subjective, and obviously, the Cavaliers believe so. Unless Mobley develops into the next Anthony Davis, it’s a bit of an aggressive number.
