Cavaliers' Mitchell Declares Championship Goal After Harden Trade

All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell sets sights on title after Cleveland's roster overhaul.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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After a disappointing season last year, the Cleveland Cavaliers made a major move at the trade deadline, acquiring superstar guard James Harden. Following the trade, Cavaliers star Donovan Mitchell was clear about the team's goal for the rest of the season - to win a championship. Mitchell emphasized the team's new additions, including Harden and others, and said the Cavaliers will use the All-Star break to get 'somewhere we haven't been before'.

Why it matters

The Cavaliers have been a consistent playoff team in recent years, but have yet to make a deep postseason run or compete for a championship. The acquisition of Harden, along with their existing core led by Mitchell, raises the team's championship aspirations and puts pressure on them to perform in the second half of the season.

The details

The Cavaliers started the season 17-16 but have since rallied to a 34-21 record, good for a top-4 seed in the Eastern Conference. In addition to Harden, they also added depth pieces Dennis Schroeder and Keon Ellis at the trade deadline. Mitchell has been a star for the Cavaliers, but the team has yet to breakthrough to the Conference Finals during his tenure.

  • The Cavaliers were 17-16 earlier this season before making their trade deadline moves.
  • Cleveland currently holds a 34-21 record, good for a top-4 seed in the Eastern Conference.

The players

Donovan Mitchell

A seven-time NBA All-Star who has been the Cavaliers' top player since joining the team.

James Harden

A future Hall of Famer who was recently acquired by the Cavaliers in a trade, adding another superstar to their roster.

Dennis Schroeder

A veteran guard who was also acquired by the Cavaliers at the trade deadline to add depth to their roster.

Keon Ellis

A young guard who was part of the Cavaliers' trade deadline moves to bolster their depth.

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What they’re saying

“The goal is a championship, nothing but it. We just acquired James... so let's use this break to be like hey it's time to get somewhere we haven't been before.”

— Donovan Mitchell, Cavaliers Star (SM Highlights)

What’s next

The Cavaliers will look to use the All-Star break to integrate their new additions and prepare for a championship push in the second half of the season.

The takeaway

After years of being a consistent playoff team, the Cavaliers have set their sights on winning a championship this season. The acquisition of James Harden has raised their ceiling, and star Donovan Mitchell has made it clear that anything less than a title will be a disappointment for the team.