Cleveland set to keep Donovan Mitchell-James Harden pairing intact next season
cavs-plan-to-keep-mitchell-harden-backcourt
The Cleveland Cavaliers are signaling no major shake-ups to their backcourt, with team executives indicating that both Donovan Mitchell and James Harden are expected to return for the 2024-25 campaign.
Harden, acquired in a midseason trade, publicly stated after the Cavaliers’ playoff exit that he intends to stay in Cleveland. President of basketball operations Koby Altman backed that position Friday, emphasizing Harden’s impact on the club’s run to the Eastern Conference finals.
“He helped re-galvanize the group,” Altman told reporters. “We’re not in the conference finals without James.”
The organization also plans to pursue a long-term extension with Mitchell, who remains under contract and has repeatedly voiced his satisfaction in Cleveland. “All I can tell you is Donovan has been steadfast in how much he loves it here,” Altman said. “There hasn’t been any question of will he be here or does he want to be here.”
Mitchell just finished another All-NBA-caliber season and guided the Cavaliers to their first conference-final appearance without LeBron James since 1992. Despite being swept by the New York Knicks in that round, team officials believe an additional offseason together will strengthen the Mitchell-Harden partnership.
When asked if Mitchell can serve as the top option on a championship roster, Altman replied, “We’re going to keep pouring into that.”
Source: Hoops Wire
