Cleveland, Ohio - In a significant blow to the Cleveland Cavaliers' chances of staying alive in the playoffs, star guard Donovan Mitchell has been officially ruled out for Game 5 against the Boston Celtics. Mitchell, who is still nursing a calf injury sustained earlier in the series, did not participate in the team's shootaround on Wednesday morning. Also sidelined for the crucial game are Jarrett Allen with a rib injury and Caris LeVert with a left knee bone bruise.

With Mitchell out, the Cavaliers' hopes of staging a comeback in the series appear bleak. Currently trailing the Celtics 3-1, the team faces the prospect of elimination in Wednesday night's game at Boston's home court. The Celtics, eager to wrap up the series and secure ample rest before facing the winner of the Knicks/Pacers series, will likely capitalize on their home advantage.

As the end of Cleveland's season looms, questions about the team's future inevitably arise. As the Cavaliers evaluate their offseason plans, the main question that emerges is whether Mitchell will commit to a contract extension and stay in Cleveland. With one year remaining on his current deal, he is set to earn $35.4 million. However, this summer the Cavaliers intend to offer him a max contract extension worth an estimated $199 million over four years. Mitchell's decision will shape the team's future, as failure to secure his commitment may push Cleveland to consider trading him to avoid losing him for nothing in free agency in 2025.

According to ESPN's Brian Windhorst, several teams have already prepared offers for a potential Mitchell trade. While the Lakers and Nets are mentioned as potential suitors, the Knicks, who have long been linked to Mitchell, are focused on their own postseason action for now. Mitchell's one-year contract remaining provides him with leverage in choosing his destination, as he can inform a prospective trade partner of his intention not to re-sign.

Even if Mitchell decides to stay, significant changes are anticipated within the Cavaliers roster. The compatibility of the backcourt pairing featuring Darius Garland is being questioned, potentially putting Garland on the trade block. The Nets may also reevaluate their center position, potentially moving on from Jarrett Allen and giving Evan Mobley a larger role. The future of head coach J.B. Bickerstaff is also uncertain.

With Game 5 approaching, the Cavaliers find themselves in a precarious position. As they face the possibility of their season coming to an end, the outcome of Mitchell's injury and his subsequent decision on an extension will undoubtedly shape the offseason direction of the team. Changes and decisions await the Cavaliers, but first, they must focus on the challenge that lies ahead in Boston.