Cavaliers offseason primer: Donovan Mitchell's future, J.B. Bickerstaff's status, LeBron

The Cavaliers have hit the end of the road when it comes to their 2024 playoff hopes.

The Cavs, decimated by injuries, lost 113-98 to the Boston Celtics in Game 5 Wednesday night, ending their series in the second round of the NBA playoffs.

The Cavs now enter a crossroads of an offseason in which the franchise could see some seismic shifts. This summer is crucial for the team's future plans, with a lot of different paths.

Here are the top five things to know as the Cavs head into a critical offseason.

Donovan Mitchell contract situation remains the No. 1 priority for Cavaliers this offseason

First and foremost, it all starts with All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell.

Mitchell has a player option for the 2025-26 season, and he can opt out of that final year of his deal next summer, when he could become an unrestricted free agent and walk away for nothing. That means this summer the Cavaliers likely either need to sign him to an extension that could be for four years and worth around $200 million or trade him in what would be a franchise-altering deal.

It remains to be seen if the Cavs were able to show Mitchell enough for him to have the confidence in the team's future to sign an extension and stay in Cleveland. Reports have also surfaced that multiple teams already have trade packages in place, fully expecting Mitchell to be dealt this summer.

Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, Jarrett Allen and Max Strus are all signed long term.

J.B. Bickerstaff's future as Cavs coach is uncertain

J.B. Bickerstaff has led the Cavs out of a rebuild and into a contender in the East, but after a first-round playoff exit last year and a second-round exit this year the Cavs might see fit to bring in a new voice to lead the franchise.

The Cavs are built to win right now, so if they have any concerns with Bickerstaff's in-game coaching or rotations, he might not remain in Cleveland for very long.

Could LeBron James return to the Cleveland Cavaliers?

It could be another summer of LeBron speculation.

James, at 39, could potentially leave the Los Angeles Lakers. There's also the possibility he could join whatever team drafts his son, Bronny, in this year's NBA Draft.

Even at 39, James averaged 25.7 points, 7.3 rebounds and 8.3 assists for the Lakers last season.

And considering almost nothing James does is by chance, it was an interesting move for him to attend Game 4 between the Cavaliers and Celtics Monday night at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.

NBA Draft 2024: Cleveland Cavaliers have 20th overall pick

The Cavs have dealt away many of their second-round picks in recent years, but they still hold their first-rounder in 2024.

It's possible the Cavs' draft situation could change drastically if Mitchell is traded but, for the moment, Cleveland holds the No. 20 overall pick.

There will be plenty of speculation about what the Cavs can do with that selection, including the possible drafting of Bronny James, which would likely include the addition of his dad.

What will the Cavaliers do in free agency?

What the Cavs eventually do in free agency will be heavily influenced by what happens with Mitchell.

But there are a number of potential free agents who might make some sense, including Bruce Brown Jr., Spencer Dinwiddie, Jaxson Hayes and Taurean Prince.

Ryan Lewis can be reached at rlewis1@gannett.com. Follow him on Threads at @ByRyanLewis.