The Cleveland Cavaliers have one of the most expensive rosters in the NBA, with their starting five taking up nearly the entire salary cap.

The Cleveland Cavaliers ascended to contenders last season in surprising fashion. No one expected them to be as strong as they were under head coach Kenny Atkinson.

And while their playoff run ended in disappointment, there is cause for optimism, as the Cavaliers have cemented themselves as title challengers in the East.

Heading into the 2025-26 NBA season, the Cleveland Cavaliers are the favorites to emerge out of the Eastern Conference and reach the NBA Finals.

And given how expensive the Cavaliers’ roster is, that is exactly where they should be, with four All-Star caliber players earning the big bucks.

Donovan Mitchell #45 celebrates with Sam Merrill #5 Ty Jerome #2 Tristan Thompson #13 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the third quarter against the Orlando Magic at Rocket Arena on March 16, 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Magic defeated the Cavaliers 108-103.Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images2025-26 Cleveland Cavaliers payroll and player salaries

The Cleveland Cavaliers have the most expensive roster in the NBA today, with a total payroll of a whopping $228.9 million.

This is what the Cleveland Cavaliers’ payroll looks like:

Player2025-26 SalaryDonovan Mitchell$46,394,100Evan Mobley$46,394,100Darius Garland$39,446,090De’Andre Hunter$23,303,571Jarrett Allen$20,000,000Max Struss$15,936,452Lonzo Ball$10,000,000Sam Merrill$8,482,144Dean Wade$6,623,456Larry Nance Jr.$3,634,153Jaylon Tyson$3,492,480Craig Porter$2,221,677Tyrese Proctor$1,272,870Luke Travers (Two-Way)$636,435Nae’Qwon Tomlin (Two-Way)$636,435Ricky Rubio (Dead Money)$424,672Total$228,898,634Cleveland Cavaliers are the East’s biggest hope to win the NBA championship

Make no mistake about it – the Cleveland Cavaliers are the most complete side in the Eastern Conference heading into the 2025-26 NBA season.

While the New York Knicks roster is quite strong, having made some great additions in the offseason, their squad has some weaknesses, specifically at the center spot.

As for the Atlanta Hawks and Orlando Magic, their squads are relatively new and untested, which is why there are still some question marks surrounding their chances.

If any side is well-equipped to compete with the best that the Western Conference has to offer in the NBA Finals, it is the Cleveland Cavaliers.