Windhorst: Cavs Emerge as 'Legit' NBA Title Contenders

NBA Insider Cites 3 Key Reasons Cleveland Can Win It All

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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NBA insider Brian Windhorst believes the Cleveland Cavaliers have transformed into legitimate NBA title contenders after the blockbuster trade for James Harden. Windhorst cites the "Harden Effect" unlocking the team's full potential, the Cavs' playoff-ready roster depth, and the front office's aggressive "win-now" mentality as the key reasons why Cleveland can make a deep postseason run.

Why it matters

The Cavaliers' rapid rise from playoff hopeful to championship favorite has shifted the balance of power in the NBA. This team is no longer just a feel-good regular season story, but a legitimate threat to win it all and end Cleveland's long title drought.

The details

Windhorst notes that the addition of Harden has "completely rewired the team's DNA," providing elite playmaking and "new energy" to unlock the potential of the Cavs' "Core 4." He also highlights the team's defensive identity and veteran scoring, especially in the Harden-Donovan Mitchell backcourt, as reasons they can "weather the adversity of a deep postseason run." Windhorst praises the Cavs' front office for being "very active" and "very involved" in making the Harden trade, proving they are in "win-now" mode.

  • The Cavaliers made the blockbuster trade for James Harden prior to the All-Star break.
  • Windhorst shared his analysis on the Cavs' title chances on ESPN Cleveland after the All-Star break.

The players

Brian Windhorst

An NBA insider and reporter who covers the Cleveland Cavaliers for ESPN.

James Harden

An All-Star guard who was recently traded to the Cavaliers, providing them with elite playmaking and scoring.

Donovan Mitchell

The Cavaliers' star guard who forms a formidable backcourt duo with James Harden.

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What they’re saying

“Harden is the ultimate plug-and-play offensive force,”

— Brian Windhorst, NBA Insider (ESPN Cleveland)

“This team can win four playoff rounds.”

— Brian Windhorst, NBA Insider (ESPN Cleveland)

What’s next

The Cavaliers will look to continue their strong play and solidify their status as title contenders in the second half of the NBA season.

The takeaway

The Cavaliers' aggressive move to acquire James Harden has transformed them from a promising playoff team into a legitimate championship contender, with the depth, defense, and star power to make a deep postseason run and potentially end Cleveland's long title drought.