Cleveland Cavaliers Players Salary: Donovan Mitchell’s $35M Deal Powers NBA’s Best Record

Cleveland operates with approximately $172 million in payroll building around a talented young core. Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland combine for $71 million annually as the Cavaliers emerge as legitimate Eastern Conference championship contenders.

Jarrett Allen ($20M), Evan Mobley ($30M), and Caris LeVert ($16M) complete the starting lineup. Max Strus ($16M) and Georges Niang ($8.5M) provide veteran depth as Cleveland maximizes their competitive window with balanced roster construction.

Know more about the Cleveland Cavaliers players biography and net worth by clicking on their name.

Cleveland Cavaliers Top 10 Highest-Paid Players

Garland earns $36.7 million through his five-year, $193 million designated rookie extension signed in July 2022. His playmaking and scoring ability anchor Cleveland’s offense alongside Mitchell creating elite backcourt tandem.

Mitchell makes $35.4 million entering his player option year. His 2026 free agency creates extension urgency with Cleveland hoping to secure long-term commitment. Mobley collected $30.8 million through his five-year, $224 million rookie max extension signed in July 2024.

Allen earned $20 million through his five-year, $100 million deal providing elite rim protection and rebounding. Strus makes $16 million after signing as free agent from Miami offering floor spacing and playoff experience.

Donovan Mitchell Net Worth and Star Salaries

Mitchell accumulated $145 million building a $90 million net worth across Utah and Cleveland. His Adidas endorsement deal and business ventures including wine label add substantial off-court income. Mitchell’s potential supermax extension could exceed $250 million total value.

Garland earned $78 million creating a $48 million net worth by age 24. His Puma partnership and local Cleveland endorsements supplement NBA earnings. Mobley collected $52 million building a $30 million fortune by age 23 with his extension guaranteeing future wealth.

Allen earned $68 million building a $42 million net worth across Brooklyn and Cleveland. LeVert collected $92 million creating a $58 million fortune across five teams. Strus accumulated $28 million building a $16 million net worth after undrafted journey.

Evan Mobley’s Rookie Max Extension Secures Future

Mobley earns $30.8 million in the first year of his five-year, $224 million designated rookie extension signed in July 2024. The versatile big man’s defensive excellence and offensive development justified max contract investment before he reached restricted free agency.

His contract runs through 2029 aligning with Cleveland’s championship window. Mobley’s combination of rim protection, switching ability, and improving three-point shooting makes him foundational piece alongside Mitchell and Garland.

The extension represents Cleveland’s commitment to internal development rather than pursuing expensive free agents. Mobley’s All-Defensive potential provides defensive anchor while his offense continues expanding beyond initial expectations.

Cavaliers Spending by Position: Balanced Roster Investment

Cleveland allocated $88 million to guards—51% of total payroll. Garland ($36.7M), Mitchell ($35.4M), and LeVert ($16M) lead backcourt spending. The Cavaliers prioritize elite perimeter shot creation and playmaking.

Forwards consumed $53 million with Mobley ($30.8M), Strus ($16M), and Okoro ($14M) providing size and defense. Centers cost just $20 million with Allen as sole major investment creating elite rim protection at below-market rate for his production.

Isaac Okoro Extension Provides Wing Depth

Okoro earns $14 million through his three-year, $38 million extension signed in October 2024. The former No. 5 overall pick’s elite perimeter defense justified investment despite offensive limitations plaguing his development.

His contract represents reasonable middle ground—not overpaying for potential while retaining proven defender. Okoro’s three-point shooting improvement makes him valuable 3-and-D wing in Cleveland’s system protecting Mitchell and Garland.

The extension avoids expensive restricted free agency bidding war while securing affordable starting-caliber wing through 2027. Cleveland’s front office identified market value for defensive specialist avoiding mistakes that plague small-market franchises.

Cavaliers Best Value Contracts Driving Success

Dean Wade earns just $6.5 million through his three-year, $18.5 million extension providing stretch-four versatility. His shooting and defensive effort create rotation value far exceeding salary.

Sam Merrill makes $4.1 million offering elite three-point shooting off the bench. His sharpshooting on minimum contract allows Cleveland to maintain depth while paying stars. Ty Jerome collected $2.4 million through veteran minimum providing backup point guard insurance.

Georges Niang earned $8.5 million offering veteran floor spacing and playoff experience. His below-market contract signed in 2023 provides depth allowing Cleveland to compete without luxury tax burden constraining roster flexibility.

FAQs

Who is Cleveland Cavaliers’ highest-paid player?

Darius Garland earns $36.7 million through his five-year, $193 million designated rookie extension slightly exceeding Donovan Mitchell’s $35.4 million annual salary.

What is Evan Mobley’s contract worth?

Mobley signed a five-year, $224 million designated rookie max extension in July 2024 earning $30.8 million annually through 2029 securing Cleveland’s defensive anchor.

Does Donovan Mitchell have a player option?

Mitchell has a $37 million player option for 2026 creating extension urgency as Cleveland hopes to secure long-term commitment before potential free agency.

How much does Jarrett Allen make?

Allen earns $20 million through his five-year, $100 million extension providing elite rim protection and rebounding at below-market value for starting center production.