The Cleveland Cavaliers made the Eastern Conference finals last year, but they still have a ton of work to do. They just signed Donovan Mitchell to a massive contract extension, and they have a ton of money committed to their top guys. But they still have to deal with James Harden. And honestly? They should let him walk or sign him and trade him at the deadline.
Harden is a good player. A great playmaker and a solid point guard still. But the key to winning in today’s NBA is two (maybe three) top players and elite depth. The Cavs don’t have elite depth right now. They should let Harden go in the hopes of splitting up his salary into multiple high-level depth pieces to help the Mitchell era in Cleveland.
If the Cavs want any hope of winning a title in the Mitchell-Evan Mobley era, they should split Harden’s contract up into two or more other players.
Swapping James Harden for depth is best for Donovan Mitchell era
When the Cavaliers traded for Harden last year, they shipped out Darius Garland, flipping one expensive player for another. They wanted a new guy in town, and a guy who could give them a bit more future financial flexibility (because he’s older).
But the way the Cavaliers’ roster and payroll are set up right now, they aren’t in the best possible situation to win a championship. They’re actually in a relatively rough position.
Right now, the Cavaliers have Mitchell, Harden, and Mobley making a ton of money. Behind them, guys like Jarrett Allen, Max Strus, Jaylon Tyson, and Dennis Schroder are right there.
Unfortunately, the Cavaliers don’t have championship-caliber depth. They have solid depth. Good enough depth to be a solid playoff team. But championship depth? No.
Look at the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs – elite depth. Same with the 2025 Oklahoma City Thunder and 2024 Boston Celtics. Elite depth.
Cleveland doesn’t have that. It has too much money committed to its top players. By breaking up Harden’s massive contract into multiple other solid depth pieces, the Cavaliers could improve their depth.
Harden is a good player. He will undoubtedly help the Cavaliers next year. And trading him may make them worse in the short-term. But if they want to build a contender around Mitchell, the Cavs need better depth.
Splitting up Harden’s contract into other pieces is the best path for the Cavs to potentially win a title in the Mitchell era.
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