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Let’s be honest — the Cleveland Cavaliers aren’t just back. They’re dominating.
After a franchise-record 64-win season in 2024-25 and winning the 2026 NBA Eastern Conference First Round against the Toronto Raptors, the Cavs have officially become one of the most exciting — and most expensive — teams in basketball.
But all that winning comes with a massive price tag. So, how much are the Cavs actually paying their players in 2025-26?
In this guide, we break down every player’s salary, the coaching staff’s earnings, the highest and lowest paid players on the roster, and what it all means for Cleveland’s championship window.
Cavaliers 2025-26 Salary at a Glance
- Total Payroll: ~$232.5 million (highest in the NBA)
- Highest Paid Players: Evan Mobley & Donovan Mitchell ($46.4M each)
- New Big Addition: James Harden ($39.2M/year)
- Head Coach: Kenny Atkinson (~$5-6M/year)
- Luxury Tax Status: Deep into luxury tax territory
- NBA Salary Cap 2025-26: ~$154 million
That’s a lot of money. But given how stacked this roster is, Cavs fans would argue every penny is worth it.
Cleveland Cavaliers Players Salary 2025-26
The NBA salary cap for the 2025-26 season sits at approximately $154 million. The Cavaliers are well above that — and even past the luxury tax threshold — which speaks to just how seriously owner Dan Gilbert is about bringing another championship to Cleveland.
Here’s the complete salary table for the 2025-26 season:
| Player | Position | Age | Annual Salary | Contract Expires |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Evan Mobley | PF/C | 24 | $46,400,000 | 2030 |
| Donovan Mitchell | SG | 29 | $46,400,000 | 2028 |
| James Harden | PG | 36 | $39,200,000 | 2027 |
| De’Andre Hunter | SF | 29 | $23,300,000 | 2027 |
| Jarrett Allen | C | 28 | $20,000,000 | 2026 |
| Max Strus | SG | 30 | $15,900,000 | 2027 |
| Lonzo Ball | PG | 28 | $10,000,000 | 2027 |
| Sam Merrill | SG | 29 | $8,500,000 | 2029 |
| Dean Wade | PF | 29 | $6,600,000 | 2026 |
| Isaac Okoro | SF | 24 | $11,000,000 | 2026 |
| Jaylon Tyson | SF | 22 | ~$3,500,000 | 2027 |
Data sourced from SalaryLeaks and HoopsHype (updated April 2026). Total team payroll: ~$232.5 million.
The numbers are eye-popping. However, when you look at what the Cavs have built, it starts to make a lot of sense.
The Two Big Stories: Mobley’s Max Deal & Harden’s Arrival
Evan Mobley — $46.4 Million Per Year
Without a doubt, Evan Mobley’s five-year, $269 million contract extension is the centerpiece of Cleveland’s future. The 24-year-old forward won the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award and transformed himself into a dominant two-way force in 2024-25.
Moreover, his offensive game took a massive leap. Head coach Kenny Atkinson deserves a lot of credit for unlocking Mobley’s potential. This extension kicks in starting in 2025-26, and it’s one of the most justified max deals in the NBA right now.
James Harden Joins the Cavs — $39.2 Million Per Year
If Mobley’s extension was the headline, Harden’s arrival was the plot twist nobody expected. The former MVP and legendary scorer signed a two-year deal worth $78.4 million to join Cleveland.
As a result, the Cavs now boast three elite offensive weapons alongside Donovan Mitchell. That’s a scary lineup for any team to defend. That said, Harden is 36 years old — his health and efficiency will be closely watched throughout the season.
Cleveland Cavaliers Coaches Salary 2025-26
Head Coach: Kenny Atkinson
Kenny Atkinson is, simply put, one of the hottest coaching names in basketball right now.
After guiding the Cavs to a 64-18 record in his first season — the best in franchise history — Atkinson won the 2024-25 NBA Coach of the Year award. He joined the Cavaliers in June 2024 on a five-year contract, replacing J.B. Bickerstaff. His estimated annual salary is between $5 million and $6 million per year, consistent with elite NBA head coaches.
Before Cleveland, Atkinson spent three seasons as an assistant under Steve Kerr with the Golden State Warriors. He also previously served as head coach of the Brooklyn Nets (2016-2020), where he developed a reputation for player development and creative offense.
Fun fact: Atkinson was the first coach in NBA history to win his franchise’s first 15 games to start a tenure. The Cavs didn’t lose until November 19, 2024.
Assistant Coaches
The salaries of assistant coaches are not publicly disclosed. However, experienced NBA assistants typically earn between $500,000 and $2 million per year, depending on their role and experience.
Highest Paid Players on the Cavs in 2025-26
Co-Highest: Evan Mobley & Donovan Mitchell ($46.4M each)
For the first time in franchise history, the Cleveland Cavaliers have two players earning the same top salary. Both Mobley and Mitchell pull in $46.4 million per year — and both have earned it.
Mitchell, the former Utah Jazz star, is entering the prime years of his career at 29. Meanwhile, Mobley is just 24 and has already become a franchise cornerstone. Together, they form one of the most dynamic duos in the Eastern Conference.
For comparison: Stephen Curry earned approximately $50 million with Golden State in 2025-26, and Nikola Jokic’s Denver deal puts him in the same tier. So yes, Mitchell and Mobley are earning elite money — but they’re playing at an elite level.
Lowest Paid Player on the Cavs in 2025-26
Jaylon Tyson — ~$3.5 Million Per Year
The lowest paid player on the active roster is rookie forward Jaylon Tyson, selected by the Cavs with the 20th pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. He’s on a standard four-year rookie contract worth approximately $3.5 million in his second season.
Here’s the thing, though — Tyson has shown real promise. His performances have flashed the potential of a long-term rotation piece, if not a future starter. That makes him one of the best bargain contracts in Cleveland’s entire payroll.
The Luxury Tax Situation
The Cavs are deep in luxury tax territory.
According to reports, Cleveland’s total payroll of ~$232.5 million places them as the highest-spending team in the entire NBA for 2025-26. They are well past the luxury tax threshold and operating in what’s known as the “second apron” — a new financial level introduced under the latest CBA that carries additional restrictions.
For fans, this means Dan Gilbert is all-in. For front office executives like Koby Altman, it means navigating complex roster decisions with limited financial flexibility.
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Other NBA Teams — Payroll Comparison
| Team | 2025-26 Payroll (est.) | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Cleveland Cavaliers | ~$232.5M | Highest in NBA |
| Golden State Warriors | ~$220M | Luxury Tax |
| Los Angeles Lakers | ~$210M | Luxury Tax |
| Boston Celtics | ~$205M | Luxury Tax |
| Miami Heat | ~$185M | Luxury Tax |
The Cavs are spending more than anyone. The question isn’t whether they’re committed — it’s whether that commitment results in a championship.
How Much Is the Cavaliers Franchise Worth in 2026?
According to CNBC’s 2026 NBA Team Valuations, the Cleveland Cavaliers are valued at approximately $4.5 to $5 billion, placing them in the middle tier of NBA franchises. The Warriors ($10.8B), Knicks ($10.1B), and Lakers ($10B) top the list.
For context, owner Dan Gilbert bought the Cavaliers in 2005 for just $375 million. That’s a remarkable appreciation over two decades — and the team’s on-court success under Atkinson has only accelerated it.
Author’s Take
Here’s my honest opinion: the Cavaliers are built to win now.
Evan Mobley is already a top-5 two-way player in the NBA. Donovan Mitchell is one of the most clutch scorers in the league. And adding James Harden — even at 36 — brings a level of playmaking and three-point shooting that transforms Cleveland’s offense.
However, the luxury tax bill and the age of some veterans (Harden, Allen) create real risk for the back half of this decade. The Cavs have a two-to-three year championship window. They need to capitalize on it.
This is the most talented Cavaliers team since the LeBron James era. Whether they can bring home a title remains to be seen — but if there’s a year to do it, 2025-26 might be it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Who is the highest paid Cleveland Cavaliers player in 2025-26? A: Evan Mobley and Donovan Mitchell are tied as the highest paid Cavaliers players in 2025-26, each earning $46.4 million per year.
Q: What is the Cleveland Cavaliers total payroll for 2025-26? A: The Cleveland Cavaliers total payroll for 2025-26 is approximately $232.5 million, the highest in the NBA.
Q: Is James Harden on the Cleveland Cavaliers? A: Yes. James Harden signed a two-year, $78.4 million contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers. He earns $39.2 million per year for the 2025-26 season.
Q: Who coaches the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2026? A: Kenny Atkinson is the head coach of the Cleveland Cavaliers. He joined in June 2024 on a five-year deal and won the 2024-25 NBA Coach of the Year award after leading the team to a 64-18 record.
Q: How much is the NBA salary cap in 2025-26? A: The NBA salary cap for the 2025-26 season is approximately $154 million. The Cleveland Cavaliers are well above this figure, operating deep in luxury tax territory.
Q: How much is the Cleveland Cavaliers franchise worth in 2026? A: According to CNBC’s 2026 NBA franchise valuations, the Cleveland Cavaliers are worth approximately $4.5 to $5 billion. Dan Gilbert purchased the team in 2005 for $375 million.
Q: What happened to Darius Garland? A: Darius Garland’s status with the team changed in the 2025 offseason. His roster spot was impacted by the significant roster overhaul that brought in James Harden and expanded Evan Mobley’s role.
Conclusion
The Cleveland Cavaliers are playing to win — and they’re paying to win.
With a payroll exceeding $232 million, a Coach of the Year leading the team, and a roster headlined by Mobley, Mitchell, and Harden, the Cavs are positioned as legitimate NBA championship contenders. Whether or not they can deliver on that promise remains the most exciting storyline in Northeast Ohio sports.
One thing is clear: this team isn’t rebuilding. They’re ready.
