History of Donovan Mitchell in Timeline

Donovan Mitchell Jr., nicknamed "Spida", is an American professional basketball player currently playing for the Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA. Drafted in 2017, he initially played for the Utah Jazz from 2017 to 2022. Mitchell is a six-time NBA All-Star and has been selected twice for the All-NBA Team, marking him as a prominent figure in contemporary basketball.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1995: Michael Jordan took the same number during his baseball career

In 1995, Michael Jordan took the same number during his baseball career and the early part of his NBA comeback.

September 7, 1996: Donovan Mitchell Jr. was born

On September 7, 1996, Donovan Vernell Mitchell Jr. was born.

Others born on this day/year

2010: Present when LeBron James announced decision to sign with Miami Heat

In 2010, Donovan Mitchell was present at the Boys and Girls Club of Greenwich (Conn.) when LeBron James announced his decision to sign with the Miami Heat.

2015: Invited to play in the Jordan Brand Classic

In 2015, Donovan Mitchell was invited to play in the regional game for the Jordan Brand Classic and committed to the University of Louisville to play college basketball.

July 5, 2017: Signed a four-year rookie scale contract with the Jazz

On July 5, 2017, Donovan Mitchell signed a four-year rookie scale contract with the Utah Jazz.

July 11, 2017: Signed a multi-year shoe deal with Adidas

On July 11, 2017, Donovan Mitchell signed a multi-year shoe deal with Adidas and scored 37 points against the Memphis Grizzlies in the NBA Summer League.

October 18, 2017: NBA debut

On October 18, 2017, Donovan Mitchell made his NBA debut and registered 10 points and four assists against the Denver Nuggets.

December 1, 2017: Scored a career-high 41 points

On December 1, 2017, Donovan Mitchell scored a career-high 41 points in a win over the New Orleans Pelicans, setting the Jazz scoring record for a rookie.

December 2017: Named Western Conference Rookie of the Month for December 2017

In December 2017, Donovan Mitchell was named the Western Conference Rookie of the Month after averaging 23.1 points, 3.4 assists, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.8 steals.

2017: Declared for the 2017 NBA draft

In 2017, Donovan Mitchell declared for the NBA draft on the heels of his sophomore campaign.

2017: All-conference honors and NBA All-Rookie First Team

In 2017, Donovan Mitchell earned first-team all-conference honors in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). As a rookie with the Utah Jazz, he was named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team.

2017: Drafted in the first round of the NBA draft

In 2017, Donovan Mitchell was drafted in the first round of the NBA draft and acquired by the Utah Jazz.

January 4, 2018: Named Western Conference Rookie of the Month for December 2017

On January 4, 2018, Donovan Mitchell was named the Western Conference Rookie of the Month for December 2017.

January 15, 2018: Surpassed Karl Malone's franchise record

On January 15, 2018, Donovan Mitchell surpassed Karl Malone's franchise record for most 20+ points games during a rookie season.

February 2, 2018: Recorded second 40-point game of rookie season

On February 2, 2018, Donovan Mitchell recorded his second 40-point game of his rookie season against the Phoenix Suns, becoming the first rookie guard to notch two 40-point games since Allen Iverson in 1996–97.

February 5, 2018: Named injury replacement for the 2018 NBA Slam Dunk Contest and Won the Contest

On February 5, 2018, Donovan Mitchell was named as an injury replacement for the 2018 NBA Slam Dunk Contest and won the contest.

March 1, 2018: Named Western Conference Rookie of the month

On March 1, 2018, Donovan Mitchell was named as the Western Conference Rookie of the month for the third time that season for games played in February.

May 22, 2018: Named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team

On May 22, 2018, Donovan Mitchell was named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team.

October 24, 2018: Scored a season-high 38 points

On October 24, 2018, Donovan Mitchell scored a season-high 38 points in a win over the Houston Rockets.

2018: Won Slam Dunk Contest

In 2018, as a rookie with the Utah Jazz, Donovan Mitchell won the Slam Dunk Contest.

January 25, 2019: Recorded first double-double of the season

On January 25, 2019, Donovan Mitchell recorded his first double-double of the season, with 24 points and 11 assists, in a victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves.

October 23, 2019: Opened the 2019-20 season

On October 23, 2019, Donovan Mitchell opened the 2019–20 season with a 32-point, 12-assist performance in a win over the Oklahoma City Thunder.

January 16, 2020: Tied his career-high 46 points

On January 16, 2020, Donovan Mitchell tied his career-high 46 points in a loss to the Pelicans.

March 11, 2020: Tested positive for COVID-19

On March 11, 2020, Donovan Mitchell tested positive for COVID-19, resulting in the NBA suspending its season.

August 17, 2020: Scored 57 points in a playoff game

On August 17, 2020, Donovan Mitchell scored 57 points in a playoff loss to the Nuggets, the third most in playoff history.

February 23, 2021: Named a Western Conference reserve for the 2021 NBA All-Star Game

On February 23, 2021, Donovan Mitchell was named a Western Conference reserve for the 2021 NBA All-Star Game, marking his second consecutive All-Star selection.

February 3, 2022: Named a Western Conference reserve for the 2022 NBA All-Star Game

On February 3, 2022, Donovan Mitchell was named a Western Conference reserve for the 2022 NBA All-Star Game, marking his third consecutive All-Star selection.

September 1, 2022: Traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers

On September 1, 2022, Donovan Mitchell was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers.

2022: Played for Utah Jazz until 2022

Donovan Mitchell played for the Utah Jazz until 2022.

2022: Traded to the Cavaliers

In 2022, Donovan Mitchell was traded from the Jazz to the Cavaliers, leading Cleveland to the postseason for the first time since the 2017–18 season.

January 2, 2023: 71-Point Game

On January 2, 2023, Donovan Mitchell scored 71 points, a career-high and Cavaliers-record, in a 145–134 overtime win against the Chicago Bulls. He also had eight rebounds and 11 assists. This was the highest-scoring game since Kobe Bryant's 81-point game in 2006.

March 3, 2024: Nose Fracture

On March 3, 2024, Donovan Mitchell fractured his nose after being elbowed by teammate Tristan Thompson.

July 7, 2024: Contract Extension

On July 7, 2024, Donovan Mitchell signed a three-year, $150.3 million contract extension with the Cavaliers.

July 11, 2025: Engagement Announcement

On July 11, 2025, Donovan Mitchell announced his engagement to singer and actress Coco Jones.

November 10, 2025: Career-High Rebounds in Loss

On November 10, 2025, Donovan Mitchell recorded 28 points, a career-high 15 rebounds, and 8 assists, including a game-tying 3-pointer in overtime. Ultimately, the Cavaliers were edged out by the Miami Heat, with a score of 140-138.