CLEVELAND — As the smoke clears following the Cavaliers being swept in the Eastern Conference Finals by the New York Knicks, Cleveland now has a number of contract situations to consider.
The Cavs, who reached the Conference Finals without LeBron James on the roster for the first time since 1992 but were then crushed by the Knicks in four games, are balancing some goals being met while leaving the ultimate task unfulfilled.
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The Cavs are reportedly keeping the front office and coaching staff in tact, which will help to stabilize things heading into 2026-27.
The next step is to figure out how — or if — to reshape the roster, along with navigating the first and second aprons of the NBA salary cap. The Cavs could have some financial flexibility with some cap-room creativity.
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Cavs vs. Knicks, Game 4 photos
May 25, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) warms up before game four of the eastern conference finals for the 2026 NBA playoffs against the New York Knicks at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
(Ken Blaze, Ken Blaze-Imagn Images)
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Cavs vs. Knicks, Game 4 photos
May 25, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) warms up before game four of the eastern conference finals for the 2026 NBA playoffs against the New York Knicks at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
(Ken Blaze, Ken Blaze-Imagn Images)
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Cavs vs. Knicks, Game 4 photos
May 23, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; New York Knicks head coach Mike Brown speaks to media after game three of the eastern conference finals for the 2026 NBA playoffs against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images
(Scott Galvin, Scott Galvin-Imagn Images)
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Cavs vs. Knicks, Game 4 photos
May 25, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson speaks with media before game four of the eastern conference finals for the 2026 NBA playoffs against the New York Knicks at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, David Richard-Imagn Images)
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Cavs vs. Knicks, Game 4 photos
May 25, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson speaks with media before game four of the eastern conference finals for the 2026 NBA playoffs against the New York Knicks at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, David Richard-Imagn Images)
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Cavs vs. Knicks, Game 4 photos
May 25, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; A detailed view of shirts provided for fans before game four of the eastern conference finals for the 2026 NBA playoffs between the New York Knicks and Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
(Ken Blaze, Ken Blaze-Imagn Images)
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Cavs vs. Knicks, Game 4 photos
Cleveland Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson ponders a question during a pregame press conference before Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the New York Knicks at Rocket Arena, May 25, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
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Cavs vs. Knicks, Game 4 photos
Cleveland Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson takes questions during a pregame press conference before Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the New York Knicks at Rocket Arena, May 25, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
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Cavs vs. Knicks, Game 4 photos
Cleveland Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson takes questions during a pregame press conference before Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the New York Knicks at Rocket Arena, May 25, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal)
Here is who the Cavs have under contract for the 2026-27 season, along with their salary.
Guard Sam Merrill ($9.1M)
Forward Nae’Qwan Tomlin ($2.4M)
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Cavs vs. Knicks, Game 3 photos
May 23, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen (31) shoots while defended by New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) in the second quarter during game three of the eastern conference finals for the 2026 NBA playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images
(Scott Galvin, Scott Galvin-Imagn Images)
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Cavs vs. Knicks, Game 3 photos
May 23, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen (31) shoots while defended by New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) in the second quarter during game three of the eastern conference finals for the 2026 NBA playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images
(Scott Galvin, Scott Galvin-Imagn Images)
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Cavs vs. Knicks, Game 3 photos
May 23, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; New York Knicks guard Jose Alvarado (5) reacts to referee Tyler Ford in the first quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers during game three of the eastern conference finals for the 2026 NBA playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images
(Scott Galvin, Scott Galvin-Imagn Images)
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Cavs vs. Knicks, Game 3 photos
May 23, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; New York Knicks guard Jose Alvarado (5) kicks the ball after losing possession in the second quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers during game three of the eastern conference finals for the 2026 NBA playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images
(Scott Galvin, Scott Galvin-Imagn Images)
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Cavs vs. Knicks, Game 3 photos
May 23, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Travis Kelce reacts from the sideline during game three of the eastern conference finals for the 2026 NBA playoffs between the New York Knicks and Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images
(Scott Galvin, Scott Galvin-Imagn Images)
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Cavs vs. Knicks, Game 3 photos
May 23, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) reacts after a turnover in the second quarter against the New York Knicks during game three of the eastern conference finals for the 2026 NBA playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, David Richard-Imagn Images)
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Cavs vs. Knicks, Game 3 photos
May 23, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen (31) shoots in the second quarter against the New York Knicks during game three of the eastern conference finals for the 2026 NBA playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, David Richard-Imagn Images)
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Cavs vs. Knicks, Game 3 photos
May 23, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen (31) shoots in the second quarter against the New York Knicks during game three of the eastern conference finals for the 2026 NBA playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images
(Scott Galvin, Scott Galvin-Imagn Images)
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Cavs vs. Knicks, Game 3 photos
May 23, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Jaylon Tyson (20) reacts in the second quarter against the New York Knicks during game three of the eastern conference finals for the 2026 NBA playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images
(Scott Galvin, Scott Galvin-Imagn Images)
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Cavs vs. Knicks, Game 3 photos
May 23, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen (31) shoots while defended by New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) in the first quarter during game three of the eastern conference finals for the 2026 NBA playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, David Richard-Imagn Images)
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Cavs vs. Knicks, Game 3 photos
May 23, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) reaches for a shot by Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen (31) in the first quarter during game three of the eastern conference finals for the 2026 NBA playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images
(Scott Galvin, Scott Galvin-Imagn Images)
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Cavs vs. Knicks, Game 3 photos
May 23, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Evan Mobley (4) shoots a free throw in the first quarter against the New York Knicks during game three of the eastern conference finals for the 2026 NBA playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, David Richard-Imagn Images)
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Cavs vs. Knicks, Game 3 photos
May 23, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Evan Mobley (4) loses the ball while defended by New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) in the first quarter during game three of the eastern conference finals for the 2026 NBA playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, David Richard-Imagn Images)
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Cavs vs. Knicks, Game 3 photos
May 23, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Evan Mobley (4) loses the ball while guarded by New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) and guard Miles McBride (2) in the first quarter during game three of the eastern conference finals for the 2026 NBA playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, David Richard-Imagn Images)
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Cavs vs. Knicks, Game 3 photos
May 23, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; New York Knicks guard Landry Shamet (44) reacts in the first quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers during game three of the eastern conference finals for the 2026 NBA playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, David Richard-Imagn Images)
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Cavs vs. Knicks, Game 3 photos
May 23, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; New York Knicks guard Landry Shamet (44) attempts to pass int he first quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers during game three of the eastern conference finals for the 2026 NBA playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images
(Scott Galvin, Scott Galvin-Imagn Images)
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Cavs vs. Knicks, Game 3 photos
May 23, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; New York Knicks guard Landry Shamet (44) reacts in the first quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers during game three of the eastern conference finals for the 2026 NBA playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, David Richard-Imagn Images)
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Cavs vs. Knicks, Game 3 photos
May 23, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) passes while defended by New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) in the first quarter during game three of the eastern conference finals for the 2026 NBA playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, David Richard-Imagn Images)
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Cavs vs. Knicks, Game 3 photos
May 23, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Dennis Schroder (8) drives the ball while defended by New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) in the first quarter during game three of the eastern conference finals for the 2026 NBA playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, David Richard-Imagn Images)
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Cavs vs. Knicks, Game 3 photos
May 23, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Travis Kelce reacts from the sideline during game three of the eastern conference finals for the 2026 NBA playoffs between the New York Knicks and Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images
(Scott Galvin, Scott Galvin-Imagn Images)
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Cavs vs. Knicks, Game 3 photos
May 23, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Taylor Swift reacts from the sideline during game three of the eastern conference finals for the 2026 NBA playoffs between the New York Knicks and Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Arena.
(Scott Galvin-Imagn Images)
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Cavs vs. Knicks, Game 3 photos
May 23, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen (31) shoots while defended by New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) in the second quarter during game three of the eastern conference finals for the 2026 NBA playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images
(Scott Galvin, Scott Galvin-Imagn Images)
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Cavs vs. Knicks, Game 3 photos
May 23, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Evan Mobley (4) dunks in the first quarter against the New York Knicks during game three of the eastern conference finals for the 2026 NBA playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images
(Scott Galvin, Scott Galvin-Imagn Images)
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Cavs vs. Knicks, Game 3 photos
May 23, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; A detailed view of the net before game three of the eastern conference finals for the 2026 NBA playoffs between the New York Knicks and Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images
(Scott Galvin, Scott Galvin-Imagn Images)
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Cavs vs. Knicks, Game 3 photos
May 23, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; New York Knicks forward Mikal Bridges (25) high fives before game three of the eastern conference finals for the 2026 NBA playoffs against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images
(Scott Galvin, Scott Galvin-Imagn Images)
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Cavs vs. Knicks, Game 3 photos
May 23, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen (31) and New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) tip off in the first quarter during game three of the eastern conference finals for the 2026 NBA playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images
(Scott Galvin, Scott Galvin-Imagn Images)
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Cavs vs. Knicks, Game 3 photos
May 23, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby (8) shoots while defended by Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen (31) in the first quarter during game three of the eastern conference finals for the 2026 NBA playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, David Richard-Imagn Images)
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Cavs vs. Knicks, Game 3 photos
May 23, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; New York Knicks forward Mikal Bridges (25) shoots in the first quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers during game three of the eastern conference finals for the 2026 NBA playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images
(Scott Galvin, Scott Galvin-Imagn Images)
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Cavs vs. Knicks, Game 3 photos
May 23, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) shoots in the first quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers during game three of the eastern conference finals for the 2026 NBA playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images
(Scott Galvin, Scott Galvin-Imagn Images)
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Cavs vs. Knicks, Game 3 photos
May 23, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32), forward OG Anunoby (8) and Cleveland Cavaliers forward Evan Mobley (4) reach for a rebound in the first quarter during game three of the eastern conference finals for the 2026 NBA playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images
(Scott Galvin, Scott Galvin-Imagn Images)
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Cavs vs. Knicks, Game 3 photos
May 23, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Evan Mobley (4) looks to shoot while defended by New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby (8) run the first quarter during game three of the eastern conference finals for the 2026 NBA playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, David Richard-Imagn Images)
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Cavs vs. Knicks, Game 3 photos
May 23, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; New York Knicks forward Mikal Bridges (25) shoots while defended by Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden (1) in the first quarter during game three of the eastern conference finals for the 2026 NBA playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images
(Scott Galvin, Scott Galvin-Imagn Images)
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Cavs vs. Knicks, Game 3 photos
May 23, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Evan Mobley (4) shoots a free throw in the first quarter against the New York Knicks during game three of the eastern conference finals for the 2026 NBA playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, David Richard-Imagn Images)
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Cavs vs. Knicks, Game 3 photos
May 23, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) reaches for a shot by Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen (31) in the first quarter during game three of the eastern conference finals for the 2026 NBA playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images
(Scott Galvin, Scott Galvin-Imagn Images)
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Cavs vs. Knicks, Game 3 photos
May 23, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen (31) shoots while defended by New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) in the first quarter during game three of the eastern conference finals for the 2026 NBA playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, David Richard-Imagn Images)
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Cavs vs. Knicks, Game 3 photos
May 23, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen (31) shoots while defended by New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) in the first quarter during game three of the eastern conference finals for the 2026 NBA playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, David Richard-Imagn Images)
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Cavs vs. Knicks, Game 3 photos
May 23, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden (1) reacts in the first quarter against the New York Knicks during game three of the eastern conference finals for the 2026 NBA playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images
(Scott Galvin, Scott Galvin-Imagn Images)
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Cavs vs. Knicks, Game 3 photos
May 23, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) shoots in the first quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers during game three of the eastern conference finals for the 2026 NBA playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images
(Scott Galvin, Scott Galvin-Imagn Images)
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Cavs vs. Knicks, Game 3 photos
May 23, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby (8) shoots the ball while defended by Cleveland Cavaliers guard Sam Merrill (5) in the first quarter during game three of the eastern conference finals for the 2026 NBA playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images
(Scott Galvin, Scott Galvin-Imagn Images)
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Cavs vs. Knicks, Game 3 photos
May 23, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby (8) drives the ball while defended by Cleveland Cavaliers guard Sam Merrill (5) in the first quarter during game three of the eastern conference finals for the 2026 NBA playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images
(Scott Galvin, Scott Galvin-Imagn Images)
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Cavs vs. Knicks, Game 3 photos
May 23, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Evan Mobley (4) drives the ball while defended by New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) in the first quarter during game three of the eastern conference finals for the 2026 NBA playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, David Richard-Imagn Images)
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Cavs vs. Knicks, Game 3 photos
May 23, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden (1) drives the ball while defended by New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) in the first quarter during game three of the eastern conference finals for the 2026 NBA playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, David Richard-Imagn Images)
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Cavs vs. Knicks, Game 3 photos
May 23, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen (31) dunks in the first quarter against the New York Knicks during game three of the eastern conference finals for the 2026 NBA playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images
(Scott Galvin, Scott Galvin-Imagn Images)
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Cavs vs. Knicks, Game 3 photos
May 23, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden (1) drives the ball while defended by New York Knicks forward Josh Hart (3) in the first quarter during game three of the eastern conference finals for the 2026 NBA playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, David Richard-Imagn Images)
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Cavs vs. Knicks, Game 3 photos
May 23, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson looks on during the first quarter against the New York Knicks during game three of the eastern conference finals for the 2026 NBA playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, David Richard-Imagn Images)
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Cavs vs. Knicks, Game 3 photos
Signatures depicting the 2026 Cavaliers slogan “Let em know” are seen at the corners of the floor before game 3 of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the New York Knicks, May 23, 2026, in Cleveland.
(Andrew Dolph, Akron Beacon Journal)
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Cavs vs. Knicks, Game 3 photos
Champagne is handed out in the hallways of Rocket Arena before game 3 of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the New York Knicks, May 23, 2026, in Cleveland.
(Andrew Dolph, Akron Beacon Journal)
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Cavs vs. Knicks, Game 3 photos
Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden shoots warmup shots before game 3 of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals against the New York Knicks, May 23, 2026, in Cleveland.
(Andrew Dolph, Akron Beacon Journal)James Harden contract
Guard James Harden‘s contract situation is in its own category here.
Harden is technically a potential free agent, as he has a player option valued at $42.3 million which gives him some control, but this is where he and the Cavs could do some maneuvering when it comes to the NBA salary cap.
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While Harden could simply exercise the player option for the 2026-27 season, as all indications point toward him returning to Cleveland and both sides wanting to keep him in place, he could instead opt out and then sign a multi-year deal. That would equal more guaranteed money for him (important, considering he turns 37 in August), but the average annual value of the deal could be closer to $25 million for 2-3 years, rather than $42 million for one year. That would free up a huge chunk of space and help the Cavs get below the NBA’s second apron.
That is crucial for any other moves the Cavs want to make, as being below the second apron would again allow Cleveland to aggregate salaries in a deal to the same team.
Cavaliers free agents highlighted by Keon Ellis, Dean Wade
Even with any savings from Harden’s deal, the Cavs will need to fill out the roster while trying to stay under the second apron.
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Their group of impending free agents include:
Ellis was a key part of the De’Andre Hunter trade and figures to be a target for the Cavs’ future rotation. The Cavs can give Ellis up to a three-year extension worth a max of $52 million, or $17.3 million per year.
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Cavs vs. Knicks, Game 2 photos
May 21, 2026; New York, New York, USA; General view of Knicks playoff towels on seats before game two of the eastern conference finals of the 2026 NBA playoffs at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
(Vincent Carchietta, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Cavs vs. Knicks, Game 2 photos
May 21, 2026; New York, New York, USA; General view of Knicks playoff towels on seats before game two of the eastern conference finals of the 2026 NBA playoffs at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
(Vincent Carchietta, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Cavs vs. Knicks, Game 2 photos
May 21, 2026; New York, New York, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers center Thomas Bryant (3) warms up before game two of the eastern conference finals of the 2026 NBA playoffs against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
(Vincent Carchietta, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Cavs vs. Knicks, Game 2 photos
May 21, 2026; New York, New York, USA; General view of a Knicks playoff towel on a seat before game two of the eastern conference finals of the 2026 NBA playoffs at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
(Vincent Carchietta, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Cavs vs. Knicks, Game 2 photos
May 21, 2026; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks guard Miles McBride (2) warms up before game two of the eastern conference finals of the 2026 NBA playoffs against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
(Vincent Carchietta, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Cavs vs. Knicks, Game 2 photos
May 21, 2026; New York, New York, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Sam Merrill (5) warms up before game two of the eastern conference finals of the 2026 NBA playoffs against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
(Vincent Carchietta, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)Donovan Mitchell contract extension update
Star guard Donovan Mitchell, meanwhile, is under contract for next season. But the major question regarding his status this summer is around whether he signs a long-term extension to remain in Cleveland beyond that point.
Mitchell has two years remaining on his current deal and is eligible to sign a four-year, $272 million extension. He has a player option valued at $50.1 million for the 2027-28 season. If the Cavs sign him to an extension this summer, he would instead make $60.6 million that year and eventually reach $75.2 million in 2030-31, when he’s 34 years old.
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If Mitchell waits until next summer, he would then be eligible to sign a five-year, $352 million deal with the Cavs.
Ryan Lewis covers the Cavaliers for the Akron Beacon Journal. He can be reached at rlewis1@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Cleveland Cavs roster, contract update on James Harden, Donovan Mitchell