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SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 07: James Harden #1 of the Cleveland Cavaliers celebrates with Donovan Mitchell #45 after making a three-point shot in the fourth quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center on February 07, 2026 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
NBA superstar Donovan Mitchell is making it clear that he views the Cleveland Cavaliers as one of the teams that must contend for an NBA Championship this season. Cleveland acquiring James Harden at the trade deadline in exchange for Darius Garland was the most shocking move, and it created higher expectations for the Cavaliers. Mitchell made some comments after a clutch win over the Denver Nuggets about the team’s goals.
Sporting News shared a quote of Mitchell welcoming the team entering “win now” mode after the trade:
“When you make that move (Harden), what are you making it for? To win a championship. That’s what it is. The organization is basically saying, this is the time. And I love it. Now we have to go out there and do it. We are not running from that as a group.”
Cleveland winning over 60 games last season gave fans high hopes, but a disappointing second round elimination added more pressure for this season. A slow start caused the Cavaliers to take the gamble on trading a younger point guard for a veteran. Mitchell is completely right about the team expecting title contention and it’s a great sign that he is embracing that.
Postseason Success May Dictate Mitchell’s Future
Mitchell was in the news before this trade over his future with Cleveland being in doubt. Reports suggest that Mitchell will refuse to sign any extension if the Cavaliers get eliminated before the Conference Finals again. Teams like to extend superstars with time left on the deal to avoid the stress of losing them for nothing.
Another disappointing playoff exit could see the franchise being forced to make more changes. Mitchell only has one guaranteed year left on his deal after this season and can use his player option to opt out next offseason. Small market teams often trade players who don’t sign an extension to make it realistic he could be on the move next season.
However, it should be noted that Mitchell’s comments about contending represented his excitement for this challenge. Cleveland will have a strong chance at making the NBA Finals in a weaker Eastern Conference if their stars play to full potential.
Harden Could Convince Mitchell To Extend
The Cavaliers already look improved with Harden at point guard getting easier baskets for center Jarrett Allen and some of the wing shooters. Evan Mobley and Allen are both forecasted to become stronger offensive options since Harden has a history of getting his big men open looks via the pick and roll.
Mitchell could easily see the vision for the future and extend to give Cleveland a longer championship window. One major factor is if Harden can have a strong postseason to shed his previous criticism of being the worst playoff performer of the MVP level of all-time greats.
The constant from before and after the trade is that Mitchell is clearly the best player on the team. Cavaliers fans must hope that Mitchell is the guy who can lead them to their first title in a decade, or big changes can come as soon as the offseason.