Cleveland Cavs All-Star Donovan Mitchell is ready to lead alongside James Harden following the deadline trade with the LA Clippers. Many believe Harden’s trade makes the Cavs title contenders. Joining forces with one of the premier guards in the NBA in Mitchell, James, and the All-Star guard will look to lead Cleveland to make a deep postseason run.

Mitchell is eager to get started as the team’s leader alongside Harden in the Cavs’ new backcourt.

“Yeah. Definitely going to take a day off, but I’m definitely ready to get back to it, for sure,” Mitchell said during his media availability after the All-Star games.

While the two haven’t spent much time together outside recent games, Mitchell says he and Harden will get to work during practice, where he can’t wait to work with the future Hall of Fame guard.

“We haven’t really watched film,” Mitchell said. “We haven’t had practice, right? We kind of just went into it. So it’s just kind of saying, “Hey—he’ll figure it out. We’ll figure it out. Just keep playing.” And then once we get to our film sessions and our practices, we’ll definitely have more. But when you have a guy like that, there’s not much to say. He’s a high-IQ guy. I think the biggest thing is: “Hey, let’s just find ways, as a group, to continue to get better.”

The Cavs will host the Nets on Thursday.

James Harden calls Cavs title contenders

Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) competes in the three point contest during the 2026 NBA All Star Saturday Night at Intuit Dome

Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Upon his arrival, veteran James Harden called the Cavs championship contenders based on the players around him. Cavs guard Donovan Mitchell played in his seventh All-Star game before finishing out the Cavs’ regular season alongside Harden.

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Harden believes the Cavs are title contenders.

“Yes… I don’t know how many times I’ve said that throughout the course of my career. Given the depth, shooting, athleticism, & versatility we have, yes,” Harden said.

Harden finished with 13 points, 11 assists, and four rebounds in the Cavs’ 138-113 win against the Wizards.