When Donovan Mitchell was traded to Cleveland in 2022, there was widespread skepticism that he’d be eager to commit to the Cavaliers long-term. But Mitchell has signed a pair of contract extensions since then and told Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com (subscription required) ahead of the 2026/27 season that he can’t envision himself playing for another team.

“I don’t ever want to wear another uniform. I don’t have that vision,” Mitchell said. “Business is business. I understand how that works. There may be a situation where we may not be in a position to win anymore and business happens, right?

“… But the purpose behind this (latest) extension is to be here forever. … I’ve got to deliver. We’ve got to deliver. I’m not saying an extension guarantees a championship. But that’s the goal. It’s why I wake up every morning. I don’t want to be anywhere else. I don’t see it. Can’t ever picture it.

“I dream of myself being here forever and hopefully having 45 in the rafters one day.”

After signing a three-year, maximum-salary extension in July of 2024, Mitchell finalized a new deal with the Cavaliers this July on the first day he became eligible to do so.

The agreement came in the wake of the Cavs being swept in the Eastern Conference finals by the eventual champion Knicks. As demoralizing as that outcome was, the star guard told reporters immediately in the wake of the team’s Game 4 loss that he “loves it” in Cleveland and made good on that assertion by making a long-term commitment to the organization.

Mitchell’s latest extension is a four-year max deal that will run through at least the 2029/30 season, with a player option for ’30/31.

There’s a good chance it won’t be Mitchell’s last NBA contract. He’ll be entering his age-35 season in the fall of 2031. Still, as he explained to Fedor, he and his wife have grown to love Cleveland and he’s hopeful he’ll get the opportunity to finish his career with the Cavaliers.

“One thing I felt when I first got here was home,” Mitchell said. “You try to put yourself in the most peaceful situation. When you feel like the organization is doing everything to win … the Gilberts building a new practice building, and I joke about having food on every road trip but that’s a real thing too. It all matters. I feel safe. I know my neighbors. You feel at ease. You feel peaceful. That’s all part of it. I always talk about my wife liking Cleveland. That’s a big part of it too.

“When I first got here, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I probably would’ve spoken like every other NBA player that only stays at the hotel, doesn’t get around and doesn’t understand and see what Cleveland is all about. I’d probably be like, ‘Man, I’m ready to go,’ too. I didn’t know any different. Then you feel it. You see it. You see the potential of what we can be as a team — this incremental climb. Obviously, I haven’t delivered on a championship and it’s a team thing, but we’re putting ourselves in a position to be right there.”