Donovan Mitchell played a career-high 17 playoff games in a single postseason before succumbing to fatigue and suffering a sweep at the hands of the Knicks. For most of the post-game media session, the Cleveland Cavaliers’ superstar remained confident and optimistic about his teammates and his goals for next season. However, when LeBron James was mentioned, Mitchell appeared taken aback.

“We just ended the game.” Mitchell paused for a moment and then continued. “That’s not for me. I don’t, I’m not trying to get a headline that’s not for me. I’m not gonna answer that. It’s a Koby Altman question, it’s a Mike Gansey question. Cause no matter what I say, no matter how I say it, or how I say to navigate it, it’s going to be a thing. Sorry, I’m not going to give you anything, you have to ask Koby and them. All I know is who we got in the locker room, and I got to ride with those guys every single day of the week, that’s all I got.”

Even before LeBron James’ season concluded, the status of his expiring $52.6 million contract generated significant buzz. While some reports speculated about retirement, Shams Charania recently indicated that James is likely to return for his 24th season. Although he has been linked to a potential move to the Warriors alongside Stephen Curry, the narrative of a homecoming before retirement has gained momentum. This is especially true after the 41-year-old liked an Instagram post suggesting exactly that.

It was a post from his uncle that Bron liked. Now the post also contained a “come home” tag, with James’ picture wearing the Cavaliers jersey from 2018. Many started speculating that this is foreshadowing from the 22x All-Star. Even the analysts have chimed in and want the Akron Hammer to come back home. Stephen A. Smith wholeheartedly believed after the Cavs’ 108-121 Game 3 loss that they needed a leader.

“When you see this franchise quit like they just did, it needs someone who cares a bit more. Someone proudly accountable to Cleveland.” He added, “Yes…..I’m saying it…….they need @KingJames to return home to save the day…..if THIS group is ever going to bring a title back to Cleveland. Seriously!!!!”

Similarly, Charles Barkley also did not hesitate about this reunion. “Nobody from Cleveland is stepping up. There’s no leadership,” Draymond Green said on Inside the NBA. Barkley immediately had an answer. “That would be LeBron James,” Barkley responded. “That’d be it.”

The leadership question emerged as Donovan Mitchell has failed to inspire his teammates.

Donovan Mitchell talks about his future

Similar to Game 3, where the Cavs gave up, Game 4 had the Knicks holding a commanding 68-49 lead. Losing back-to-back home games and losing out in this manner wasn’t acceptable to Donovan Mitchell. So he tried to rally his troops.

An animated Mitchell was pointing, gesturing, and talking, while the rest of the roster didn’t speak and even had dismissive expressions.

The question even emerged about his own future. The 7x All-Star who is eligible for a contract extension in July was clear on his future plans. “I love it here. I don’t know how else to say it, but I love it here. We have unfinished business. This city deserves a ring, and we’re just gonna keep going.” The new extension can add four years and up to $272 million.

Alternatively, he could wait until 2027 to sign a new five-year, $350 million deal. However, he declined to discuss James or the potential storyline of reuniting with the Cavaliers.