Why Mitchell feels a ‘sense of urgency’ to win a championship soon

The Cleveland Cavaliers not only did they finish #1 in the Eastern Conference last season with a 64-18 record, they arguably the biggest blow of the offseason against James Harden. Already seen as a legitimate title contender, Cleveland now has a point to prove, and a star man Donovan Mitchell he certainly understands that.

Speaking on SiriusXM, Mitchell claimed there was a sense of urgency to win the championship, per post on X from ClutchPoints.

“This might be one of my last chances, maybe James’ (Harden’s) last chance… We understand what’s in front of us, we understand what’s in front of us.”

Donovan Mitchell on the urgency for the Cavs to win the championship 🏆

(via @SiriusKSMNBA)pic.twitter.com/vipGBekca9

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 19, 2026

“As far as the pressure, there’s obviously a sense of urgency. It’s like, hey, you know, when you add a guy who’s just as hungry as the group. Like last year, it was us or OKC. So how do you react now?” he began, suggesting that Harden’s move means it may be their last chance to emerge as champions before questions arise.

“I won’t say there’s added pressure, but there’s a sense of urgency. This might be one of my last chances, maybe James (Harden’s) last chance.. We understand what’s in front of us, we understand what’s in front of us,” Donovan Mitchell said.

Cleveland is 34–21 and in fourth place in the Eastern Conference, but the record tells only part of the story. The decision to trade Harden for Darius Garland and the future second-round pick signals that the front office wants to win now and wants the roster to go through a developmental phase starting this campaign.

Acquiring Harden directly addresses Cleveland’s biggest problem in the postseason: stagnation in the half-court offense and secondary shooting. Even at 36 years old, Harden is putting up 25.0 points and 8.2 assists per game this season, his most productive output in five seasons.

Of course, Mitchell remains the All-Star despite Harden’s arrival. The seven-time All-Star is averaging 29.0 points, 5.9 assists and 4.5 rebounds per game and finished fifth in MVP voting last campaign. This time, he will not only want his team to become a real threat for the title, but will also have one eye on individual accolades.