Donovan Mitchell, James Harden and Evan Mobley lead the Cleveland Cavaliers into the 2026-27 NBA season determined to turn another deep playoff run into a championship.

The Cleveland Cavaliers aren’t interested in simply making the NBA playoffs anymore.

They’ve already proven they can do that.

The Cavaliers enter the 2026-27 NBA season with legitimate championship aspirations, led by Donovan Mitchell, James Harden, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen.

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After finishing 52-30 last season and advancing to the Eastern Conference Finals, Cleveland believes its championship window remains wide open.

But there’s one significant obstacle: getting past the New York Knicks.

The Cavaliers’ postseason ended with a four-game sweep against New York, which went on to capture the NBA championship.

That disappointing finish provides plenty of motivation for head coach Kenny Atkinson and a talented Cleveland roster.

The biggest difference this season will be continuity.

Harden arrived from the Los Angeles Clippers in a midseason trade involving Darius Garland, leaving limited time to develop chemistry with Mitchell.

Now, the two All-Star guards will have an entire training camp and regular season to establish their partnership.

Harden averaged 20.5 points, eight assists and 4.8 rebounds during his abbreviated regular-season stint with Cleveland.

Mitchell remains the team’s primary scoring threat after averaging 26 points during last season’s playoffs.

The Cavaliers also made a significant offseason addition, acquiring versatile forward Peyton Watson from Denver.

Watson averaged career highs of 14.6 points and 4.9 rebounds last season. In 40 starts, he elevated his production to 17.3 points per game while shooting 43 percent from three-point range.

His combination of athleticism, perimeter defense and improved shooting could provide exactly what Cleveland needs against the Eastern Conference’s elite teams.

Meanwhile, Mobley and Allen remain one of the NBA’s most formidable interior combinations.

But Cleveland’s greatest challenge might be improving its consistency.

The Cavaliers repeatedly fell behind early last season, overcoming double-digit deficits to win 21 games across the regular season and playoffs.

That approach becomes considerably more dangerous against championship-level competition.

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Cleveland has invested heavily in keeping its core together, including a four-year extension for Mitchell and a three-year agreement with Harden.

The expectation is clear.

Another playoff appearance won’t be enough.

Season outlook: Cleveland has the personnel to compete for the Eastern Conference championship. Anything short of another deep postseason run would represent a disappointment.