James Harden, Donovan Mitchell Talk Potential Cavs Contract Extensions After ECF Loss to Knicks

The Cleveland Cavaliers backcourt wants to run things back after their Eastern Conference Finals loss to the New York Knicks.

"I love it here," Donovan Mitchell told reporters Monday. "I don't know how else to say it, but I love it here. We have unfinished business. This city deserves a ring and we're just gonna keep going."

James Harden said he "100 percent" wants to return to the Cavaliers and expects to do so this offseason.

Those comments are notable since it figures to be a major offseason in Cleveland.

ESPN's Brian Windhorst reported on the Mitchell and Harden contract situations earlier this month and noted the former is eligible for a new deal that would add four years and up to $272 million. However, he could sign a new five-year deal worth approximately $350 million if he waits until 2027.

"But that path would lead to Mitchell becoming an unrestricted free agent, a cloud that would hang over the Cavs next season," Windhorst wrote.

Harden has a $42.3 million player option for next season, so something is going to have to happen with his contract situation. Either he will exercise it and remain in Cleveland for one more year, he will decline it and head to free agency, or the Cavaliers will give him a new deal.

"Though a formal agreement is not allowed to be completed before the offseason, there is an understanding that the Cavs plan to work out a new deal to retain Harden," Windhorst reported. "... No matter how this playoff run unfolds, Harden, who has been inconsistent in the postseason again, will likely be coming back to Cleveland this summer on a multiyear deal."

Knicks-Cavaliers Highlights

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While Harden and Mitchell made it clear they want to return, Cleveland was also completely outplayed by the Knicks during the four-game sweep. Perhaps the front office will want to make major changes as it looks to take the next step as a contender.

"An important offseason awaits, with contract decisions to make on Mitchell and Harden and the inevitable debate on whether to pursue Giannis Antetokounmpo," Jason Lloyd of The Athletic wrote. "LeBron James looms over all of this, too."

James is a free agent at 41 years old, and it's difficult to script a more fitting end of his career than a homecoming to Cleveland to finish with the team that drafted him. He helped lead the Cavaliers to the 2016 title and will forever be a franchise legend.

He is no longer the peak performer he was during that 2016 run, but he could provide veteran leadership and playoff experience for a group that could have used it against the Knicks.

As for Antetokounmpo, the majority of the league's contenders could be connected to the Milwaukee Bucks star this offseason. Cleveland could offer Evan Mobley and some combination of draft capital, which may be intriguing for Milwaukee.

But first then Cavaliers may have to decide on their guards, who both apparently want to be back as their own future hangs in the balance.