With the trade-deadline acquisition of James Harden, the Cleveland Cavaliers felt ready to make a strong push toward the NBA Finals, once and for all creating their own version of success that didn’t include LeBron James.
However, despite making the Eastern Conference finals, the Cavs were swept — emphatically — by the New York Knicks.
Harden averaged almost as many turnovers this postseason as he did made field goals (4.7 to 5.7) and did so without his usual elite playmaking. The 6-foot-5 lead guard managed just 5.5 assists per game and generally looked old — like the league is passing him by.
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It did not help matters that Evan Mobley, after taking a step up last season, stagnated offensively, to the point where one has to wonder when — or if — he’s ever going to become this unique do-it-all big man he was projected to be.
Mobley saw his free-throw percentage drop by almost 12 percentage points, and his 3-point percentage decline by over 7, resulting in him having to squeeze most of his own scoring production out from interior opportunities.
As the Cavs enter the 2026 offseason, they have to be asking themselves some big questions, such as whether the pairing of Mobley and center Jarrett Allen works, and whether they can justify paying Harden big money to stick around.
2025-26 finish
Record: 52-30, fourth in the Eastern Conference. Lost to the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference finals in four games.
Highlight of the season
Jaylon Tyson had a strong season despite coming back down to Earth in the playoffs. The 23-year-old averaged 13.2 points and hit a ridiculous 44.6% from long range on 4.5 attempts per game. If he can continue that type of production in future postseasons, it would be a huge boost for this club.
Players signed for next season
Evan Mobley
Donovan Mitchell
Jarrett Allen
Max Strus
Dennis Schröder
Sam Merrill
Jaylon Tyson
Nae’qwan Tomlin
Tyrese Proctor
Key free agents
James Harden (Player option)
Dean Wade (UFA)
Keon Ellis (UFA)
Projected salary
$177,062,574
Draft picks
No. 29
Draft focus: The Cavs need depth, and they need a third big man, assuming they retain both Allen and Mobley. Yet, as with any draft formula: Go with the best player possible and figure out the fit later.
Roster-building tools
The Cavs are enormously expensive, and that is not changing anytime soon. They likely will find themselves deep above the second apron if they re-sign Harden, meaning it’s unrealistic to expect significant outside upgrades.
Needs and goals
The Cavs are trying to win a title, and that mission won’t change next year. Head coach Kenny Atkinson needs consistent production out of his main players and his bench. Can this only be solved via roster changes, or can it develop from more internal chemistry and experience? We’ll find out a year from now, but it may be tough to keep such an expensive roster together if it isn’t close to being a legitimate contender.