Cavs Summer Outlook: Harden extension, Mitchell future and the Mobley question

The Cavaliers head into the offseason with big decisions looming on two key veterans and one massive young piece.

ESPN’s Bobby Marks and Tim Bontemps broke it down, and the picture is clear: Cleveland wants to keep the core intact while getting creative under the salary cap.

On James Harden:

Marks noted the two-year, $81.5 million deal Harden signed last offseason with the Clippers includes a player option that gives both sides flexibility.

A potential restructure — something like a two-year, $56 million deal starting at $28 million — would help the Cavs get under the second apron even after filling out the roster.

Bontemps added that sources around the league expect Harden and the Cavs to work out a multiyear extension, potentially three years to navigate the over-38 rule.

The goal would be lowering that $42.3 million player option for next season while giving Harden more guaranteed money long-term.

On Donovan Mitchell:

Mitchell has been vocal about his commitment if the winning continues. Marks laid out the extension math: Mitchell is eligible starting July 7 for a four-year, $272 million extension.

Waiting until 2027 would open a five-year, $352 million deal, but he’d be playing the 2027-28 season on an expiring contract.

The Bigger Picture and Mobley Talk:

Bontemps pointed out how critical it is for Cleveland to get under the second apron. It would restore flexibility to make bigger trades (only one player can be included in deals when over the apron) and open the door for more aggressive moves.

Owner Dan Gilbert’s post-season tweet that the Cavs are “nowhere near where we need to be” has fueled speculation. Some around the league have floated the idea of big changes — including potentially moving star big man Evan Mobley — to make a splash.

But president of basketball operations Koby Altman pushed back hard on that talk after the Knicks sweep.

“I’m not going to speculate on any players outside these walls,” Altman said. “All I can tell you is, since Evan’s been here, we’ve had the third-best record in the league for five years. … All Evan has done is impact winning.”

Bottom line:

Cleveland wants to run it back with Mitchell, Harden and Atkinson leading the way, but they’ll need to get creative with the books.

A Harden restructure looks likely. Mitchell’s future is the bigger long-term question, and Mobley remains the untouchable piece in the eyes of the front office — at least publicly.

The Cavs aren’t blowing it up. They’re trying to tweak the roster and cap sheet to stay competitive without losing their core identity.

What do you think, Cavs fans? Is this the right approach, or do they need to get more aggressive this summer?