Evan Mobley has already proven himself as one of the NBA’s best young big men. With his defensive prowess, rebounding ability, and improving offensive skills, he is on track to become an All-Star and possibly an NBA champion
As the Cleveland Cavaliers continue to rise, Mobley will be a key figure in their quest for greatness. The future is bright for this 7-foot defensive monster—and the best is yet to come.
Evan Mobley’s career trajectory points toward stardom, and his contract extension solidifies his place as a cornerstone of the Cleveland Cavaliers.
With a $224.2 million payday secured, Mobley is now one of the highest-paid young players in the league.
His success in the coming years will determine whether he can lead the Cavs to championship contention and become one of the top big men of his generation.
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Table of Contents
Evan Mobley: Who Is He?
The Rising Star of the Cleveland Cavaliers
Evan Mobley has established himself as one of the most talented young big men in the NBA.1
Since being drafted by the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2021, he has continued to develop into a defensive powerhouse and an emerging offensive force.
This article explores Mobley’s journey from college to the NBA, his impact on the Cavaliers, and his potential as a future superstar.
Always a vibe with the @PaniniAmerica family. Loved hanging in the #Prizm Player Lounge! pic.twitter.com/Ly91tozEDc
— Evan Mobley (@evanmobley) February 21, 2023
Early Life and High School Career
Evan Mobley was born on June 18, 2001, in San Diego, California. Basketball was in his blood—his father, Eric Mobley, played professionally and later became an assistant coach at the University of Southern California (USC).
His older brother, Isaiah Mobley, also pursued basketball and later played in the NBA.
Mobley attended Rancho Christian School in Temecula, California, where he quickly made a name for himself as one of the top prospects in his class.
By his senior year, he was widely regarded as the best high school player in the country, earning the title of California Gatorade Player of the Year in 2019 and 2020.
Evan Mobley: Career
Choosing USC Over UCLA and Washington
As a five-star recruit, Mobley had multiple college offers from top programs, including UCLA and Washington.2
However, he chose to stay close to home and play for USC, where his father was an assistant coach.
This decision proved to be beneficial, as he had an outstanding freshman season that showcased his defensive versatility and offensive efficiency.
Dominance at USC
During his lone season with the USC Trojans (2020-21), Mobley put up impressive numbers:
- 16.4 points per game
- 8.7 rebounds per game
- 2.9 blocks per game
He dominated on both ends of the floor, helping USC reach the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament. His ability to alter shots and control the paint made him one of the best defensive players in college basketball.
By the end of the season, Mobley collected numerous awards, including:
- Pac-12 Player of the Year
- Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year
- Pac-12 Rookie of the Year
This rare accomplishment solidified his status as a top-three NBA draft prospect.
2021 NBA Draft: The Cavaliers’ Big Pick
On July 29, 2021, the Cleveland Cavaliers selected Mobley with the third overall pick in the NBA Draft. He was expected to be a franchise cornerstone alongside Darius Garland and Jarrett Allen, forming a strong young core for Cleveland.
His rookie season proved that the Cavaliers had made the right choice.
Historic Rookie Season (2021-22)
Mobley wasted no time making an impact in the NBA. He quickly established himself as one of the best young defenders in the league. One of his most notable achievements came when he recorded five blocks in a single game, making him the first Cleveland rookie to do so since LeBron James in 2004.
His 2021-22 rookie season stats:
- 15.0 points per game
- 8.3 rebounds per game
- 2.5 assists per game
- 1.7 blocks per game
Mobley finished second in Rookie of the Year voting, just behind Scottie Barnes of the Toronto Raptors. His defensive presence helped Cleveland improve dramatically, though they narrowly missed the playoffs after losing in the Play-In Tournament.
Sophomore Surge and First Playoff Appearance (2022-23)
In his second season, Mobley continued to improve. The Cavaliers finished the season with a 51-31 record, securing the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference—their first playoff appearance since LeBron James’ departure in 2018.
Mobley’s 2022-23 stats:
- 16.2 points per game
- 9.0 rebounds per game
- 2.8 assists per game
- 1.5 blocks per game
Despite his strong play, the Cavaliers were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by the New York Knicks in five games. This experience was a valuable learning opportunity for Mobley and the young Cavs.
2023-24 Season: Playoff Growth
Mobley entered the 2023-24 season with higher expectations. He focused on developing his offensive game, particularly his mid-range shooting and post moves.
The Cavaliers finished the regular season strong, advancing to the second round of the playoffs before falling to the eventual NBA champions, the Boston Celtics. Mobley played a crucial role throughout the season, averaging:
- 15.7 points per game
- 9.4 rebounds per game
- 3.2 assists per game
Although the Cavaliers fell short, Mobley’s defensive skills were on full display against elite competition.
Evan Mobley: Strengths and Impact on the Cavaliers
Defensive Versatility
Mobley is widely regarded as one of the best defensive big men in the NBA. His ability to guard multiple positions makes him a unique asset for Cleveland.3
He is an elite shot-blocker, rim protector, and perimeter defender, allowing the Cavs to be one of the best defensive teams in the league.
While Mobley was initially known for his defense, he has improved his offensive game each year. His mid-range shooting and post-up moves have become more polished, making him a more complete player.
With nearly 10 rebounds per game, Mobley controls the glass and helps the Cavaliers limit second-chance opportunities for opponents. His playmaking ability has also improved, allowing him to create scoring opportunities for teammates.
Many analysts compare Mobley to Kevin Garnett due to his defensive dominance, intensity, and versatility.
Others see shades of Chris Bosh in his offensive skill set. If Mobley continues to develop his game, he has the potential to be a Hall of Fame-caliber player.
Can Mobley Become an All-Star?
Mobley has yet to make his first NBA All-Star appearance, but it seems like only a matter of time. With his growing role on the Cavaliers, he could soon be one of the top big men in the Eastern Conference.
For him to take the next step, he must:
- Improve his three-point shooting – Modern bigs are expected to stretch the floor, and adding a consistent outside shot would make Mobley nearly unstoppable.
- Increase his scoring output – Reaching 20+ points per game would elevate him to All-Star status.
- Continue dominating defensively – If he maintains his defensive excellence, he could win Defensive Player of the Year in the near future.
The Cavaliers have a talented young core with Darius Garland, Donovan Mitchell, and Jarrett Allen. If they can stay healthy and continue improving, Cleveland could become a legitimate championship contender in the coming years.
Mobley will be at the center of their success, anchoring the defense and expanding his offensive game.
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Evan Mobley: Contract Breakdown
Evan Mobley, one of the rising stars in the NBA, is currently playing under a four-year, $36.6 million rookie-scale contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The deal runs through the 2024-25 NBA season, after which he will be a restricted free agent if he does not sign an extension before then.
Mobley’s salary increased each season due to the structure of rookie-scale contracts, and the Cavaliers exercised their team option for the 2024-25 season.
How Much is Evan Mobley Getting Paid?
For the 2024-25 season, Evan Mobley will earn $11,227,657 in base salary. This marks his highest salary under his rookie contract before his upcoming extension kicks in.
How Much Does Evan Mobley Make Per Minute?
To break down his earnings further:
- Annual Salary (2024-25): $11,227,657
- Per Game (assuming 82 games): $136,921
- Per Quarter (assuming 4 quarters per game): $34,230
- Per Minute (assuming 32 minutes per game): $21.36
This means that for every minute Mobley plays, he earns around $21.36 in the 2024-25 season.
Evan Mobley’s Career Earnings So Far
Evan Mobley has earned a total of $36,664,177 from his first three NBA seasons, as per Spotrac.
This figure includes base salaries from the first three years of his rookie contract, with a significant jump expected after his new deal takes effect.
Evan Mobley’s Future Contract: A Massive Extension
Evan Mobley has agreed to a five-year, $224,238,150 designated rookie extension with the Cleveland Cavaliers. The deal is fully guaranteed and will keep him with the franchise through the 2029-30 NBA season.
The extension will pay Mobley an average annual salary of $44.85 million, making him one of the highest-paid young players in the league. His salary will increase each year, reaching over $51 million in 2029-30.
Key Terms of Evan Mobley’s Contract
Evan Mobley’s contract has included two important team options:
- 2023-24 Club Option: Exercised by the Cavaliers on October 15, 2022
- 2024-25 Club Option: Exercised by the Cavaliers on October 19, 2023
With these options exercised, Mobley remained on his rookie-scale contract until his extension begins in 2025-26.
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How Much of Evan Mobley’s Contract is Guaranteed?
All $224.23 million of his new contract is fully guaranteed, meaning he will earn the entire amount as long as he remains in the NBA.
By the end of the 2029-30 season, Mobley will have earned at least $260.9 million in total career earnings, factoring in both his rookie contract and the new extension.
Evan Mobley’s Contract History
Here is a timeline of all the contracts Evan Mobley has signed in his NBA career so far:
August 3, 2021 – Rookie Contract
- Signed a four-year, $36.6 million rookie-scale contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
October 15, 2022 – Team Option for 2023-24
- Cavaliers exercised their $8.88 million team option for the 2023-24 season.
October 19, 2023 – Team Option for 2024-25
- Cavaliers exercised their $11.22 million team option for the 2024-25 season.
July 22, 2024 – Rookie Extension
- Agreed to a five-year, $224.23 million designated rookie extension, which will begin in the 2025-26 season.
With his financial future secured, Mobley’s next goal will be to establish himself as a true superstar in the NBA. His defensive prowess and offensive versatility have already made him one of the league’s best young big men.
Some key things to watch:
- Continued Development – Can he improve his outside shooting and offensive consistency?
- Cavaliers’ Success – Will Cleveland build a championship contender around him and Darius Garland?
- All-Star Selections – Mobley is already a Defensive Player of the Year candidate. Can he become a multi-time All-Star?
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