The Cleveland Cavaliers have one goal for this season, and Donovan Mitchell made that clear.
The Cleveland Cavaliers have been working toward something special since the start of the 2020s. It started with hitting on some top draft picks, and the timeline was pushed forward when the team traded for Donovan Mitchell in the fall of 2022.
Now that the rebuild is far from over, it’s time for Cleveland to do what the team ultimately
As the Cavaliers have traded for James Harden and essentially pressed the “win-now” button, Mitchell made it clear what Cleveland’s goal for this season is.
“The goal is to get a championship. That's the goal, nothing but,” explained Mitchell. “Use this break - Obviously, we just acquired James, Dennis, and Keon - So use this break to go out there and be like, ‘Hey, it's time to go, and get somewhere we haven't been before.’”
Jan 30, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) against the Phoenix Suns in the first half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn ImagesObviously, this is a different team than it was just a few weeks ago; Harden is now a Cavalier, and Dennis Schroder and Keon Ellis came over from the Sacramento Kings to add to the team’s depth.
In order for Cleveland to accomplish its goal of winning a championship, everyone must get on the same page, and that’s something Mitchell realizes, especially he and Harden.
“We haven't really watched a film, we haven't had practice. We kind of just went into it,” continued Mitchll. “We'll figure it out, just keep playing, and then once we get to our film sessions, our practices, we'll definitely have more. But when you have a guy like that, there's not much to say; that’s a high-IQ guy. I think the biggest thing is, like, hey, let's just find ways as a group to kind of get better.”
For not having a practice and watching limited film, Harden has already seemingly fit pretty well with the Cavs, which should increase Cleveland’s title hopes. The Cavaliers are 3-0 since acquiring the guard.
Coming out of the All-Star Break, the Cavaliers have 27 games to get everyone on the same page. This team clearly has the talent and depth to make a deep playoff run, but will they have enough time to have everyone fit together and figure it all out before the playoffs start?
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