Cleveland Cavaliers weigh James Harden restructure and Donovan Mitchell extension to clear cap

The Cleveland Cavaliers are preparing for the offseason by targeting flexibility under the NBA’s salary‑cap apron. Front office officials said they expect to renegotiate James Harden’s deal, potentially converting his two‑year, $81.5 million contract into a lower‑cost multiyear arrangement that would keep the team under the second apron. Sources also anticipate a multi‑year extension for star guard Donovan Mitchell, with a four‑year, $272 million offer on the table, while a longer five‑year, $352 million option could be explored after 2027. The franchise aims to retain its core—Mitchell, Harden and center Jarrett Allen—while maintaining the ability to make larger trades, a move made urgent by owner Dan Gilbert’s comment that the team is “nowhere near where we need to be.” Evan Mobley, meanwhile, remains untouchable, with the organization emphasizing his role in the team’s recent success.