Report: Donovan Mitchell 'grew frustrated' throughout the season

The Cleveland Cavaliers' season came to an end on Wednesday. Without Donovan Mitchell, Jarrett Allen or Caris LeVert, the team fell to a fourth defeat at the hands of the Boston Celtics. Now, Cleveland heads into the offseason with multiple questions surrounding its current roster.

Top of that list is Donovan Mitchell. He has one year remaining on his current contract and has continually avoided committing his future to the franchise. Cleveland may be forced to trade the star guard if he chooses not to sign a contract extension during the summer. According to Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com, Mitchell is happy with the Cavaliers. However, he has reportedly grown frustrated with some of his teammates.

"Throughout the season, Mitchell has repeatedly mentioned how happy he is in Cleveland and how much he likes this situation," Fedor reported. "He’s played his best basketball here. But sources say at times he grew frustrated with some teammates’ lack of maturity, focus, playoff-level readiness and a willingness to listen."

Mitchell is a fierce competitor. As with most star talents, he is likely driven by contending for a championship. If he doesn't feel that his ambitions are being matched by his teammates, he could potentially choose to find a new situation. 

Adding to the drama, new reporting suggests that Darius Garland could opt to leave the Cavaliers if Mitchell remains with the franchise. 

"Furthermore, rival executives believe the Cavs will have to seriously evaluate the fit of Mitchell and Garland and ultimately may have to choose one or the other," The Athletic's Shams Charania reported. "Should Mitchell decide to stay long term, sources briefed on the matter say Garland’s representation, Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul, would have a conversation with Cavs officials on potentially finding a new home for the one-time All-Star."

As such, Cleveland will have a tough decision to make. It can either try to retain its All-Star guard and lose its young and talented ball-handler or can look to build around Garland and try to maximize their return in a potential deal for Mitchell. Either of those options will hinder the franchise's chances of making another postseason push next season. 

Nevertheless, the Cavaliers knew this headache was coming. They have likely planned for multiple outcomes. Still, there is never an easy way of losing a top member of your rotation. Cleveland may have to take a few steps back and retool some of its rotation before challenging in the postseason again.