Cavaliers receive huge free agency update regarding superstar James Harden ahead of 2026 NBA Playoffs originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.The Cleveland Cavaliers are going into the playoffs with one thing on their minds: winning an NBA championship. However, in the back of their heads, they’re thinking about what they are going to do this offseason, as they went over the second apron financially.

What it probably means is the Cavaliers are probably going to have to sacrifice a superstar to free agency or trade. The Athletic’s Fred Katz believes one of those superstars to be James Harden, who he expects to decline his player option and go into free agency.MORE: Clippers predicted to cut ties with $11 million three-time All-Star after his failure to help Kawhi Leonard, Los Angeles this season“Harden has a $42 million player option for next season that he’s likely to decline, a league source said. But a longer-term deal at a lesser number still would not be cheap.

With today’s rules, with the way high payrolls chip away at resources and wallets, teams can’t stay so expensive while continuing to lose in the second round,” Katz wrote.Katz also noted that if the Cavs do keep Harden, it could mean the end of Donovan Mitchell’s time in Cleveland.MORE: Cavaliers superstar James Harden predicted to opt-out of current deal, receive $65 million contract update“Meanwhile, Mitchell, who can hit free agency in 2027, becomes eligible for an extension this summer…The Cavaliers are eager not to get to that point. They love Mitchell, who will make yet another All-NBA team after another spectacular season.

And there is zero evidence that Mitchell wants to be elsewhere. But such is the way of the league these days, when windows are only so long, which is why Cleveland’s window is now, when Eastern Conference favorite changes depending on who you ask,” Katz stated.The Cavs were 21-9 since acquiring Harden, and have put themselves in a good position to win. Hopefully, they figure out a way to win the championship, so they can disassemble their team with no regrets.MORE NBA CONTENTLakers predicted to upgrade from Deandre Ayton, sign $200 million All-Star center if current team doesn't extend him after breakout seasonProposed blockbuster Knicks trade sees New York pair Jalen Brunson with $175 million two-time MVP, lose Karl Anthony-Towns in the processPistons urged to trade for $179 million 24.2 PPG NBA champion, finally give Cade Cunningham a true second scoring option