Look at the numbers for a second and try not to wince. $392.4 million. That is the total projected bill for the Cleveland Cavaliers this season when you factor in the luxury tax. It’s a staggering, almost offensive amount of money for a mid-market team that hasn't hoisted a trophy since LeBron was still wearing a headband. But honestly? Dan Gilbert doesn't seem to care. He’s pushing all his chips into the middle of the table, betting that this core can actually win it all before the new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) makes their lives a living hell.
The Cleveland Cavaliers roster and salary situation is a masterclass in aggressive team building. They aren't just over the cap; they are miles past the second apron, a territory usually reserved for the Golden States and Phoenixes of the world.
The Heavy Hitters: Mitchell, Mobley, and Garland
Everything starts with the three-headed monster. If you're wondering where the money is going, start there. Donovan Mitchell is pulling in $46.3 million this year. People were terrified he’d bolt for New York, but he stayed, and he got paid. He’s the engine. Without him, the whole thing stalls.
Then there is Evan Mobley. He also checks in at $46.3 million for the 2025-26 season. That’s a massive jump, thanks to that designated rookie extension and his Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) credentials. Some fans think it's too much too soon, but you don't let a 7-foot unicorn walk away. You pay him and pray his jumper becomes consistent.
Darius Garland rounds out the max-contract trio at $39.4 million. It’s a lot of "small" guys making big money, which leads to some weird roster imbalances. But having three players combine for over $132 million is just the price of doing business in the modern NBA.
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Breaking Down the Full Roster
It's not just the stars. The middle of the bench is surprisingly expensive too. Here is how the rest of the rotation shakes out:
- De'Andre Hunter ($23.3M): A big trade acquisition that brought some much-needed wing defense, though his health is always a "cross your fingers" situation.
- Jarrett Allen ($20M): Still one of the best bargains in basketball, even if the "Twin Towers" lineup with Mobley makes some analysts pull their hair out.
- Max Strus ($15.9M): The designated floor spacer. He basically exists to make sure Mitchell and Garland have room to breathe.
- Lonzo Ball ($10M): A low-risk, high-reward flier. If his knees hold up, he’s a genius addition. If not, well, it’s only ten million.
- The Bench Crew: Sam Merrill ($8.4M), Dean Wade ($6.6M), and the young Jaylon Tyson ($3.4M).
The Second Apron Nightmare
Being a "second apron" team isn't just about paying a high tax bill. It’s a cage. Because the Cavs are so far over the $207.8 million second apron threshold, they’ve lost almost all their flexibility. They can’t use the Mid-Level Exception. They can’t take back more money than they send out in trades. They can’t even sign players on the buyout market if those players made more than the mid-level.
Basically, the roster you see is the roster you get.
Koby Altman, the President of Basketball Operations, has locked himself into this group. If it works, he’s a visionary. If they exit in the first round again? He’s stuck with a bunch of massive contracts that are incredibly hard to move under the new rules. It’s a high-stakes gamble that makes the Cleveland Cavaliers roster and salary one of the most scrutinized balance sheets in the league.
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Why It Might Actually Work
The chemistry is real. Unlike some of the superteams that were just thrown together, this group has grown up together. They know each other’s tendencies. They know where Mitchell wants the ball when the clock is winding down.
Also, Jarrett Allen's extension doesn't even kick in fully until next year, and he's still playing like an All-Star. Having a guy like Sam Merrill who can shoot 40% from deep for under $9 million is a luxury most tax-paying teams don't have.
The Luxury Tax Reality Check
Let’s be real: $163.7 million in tax penalties is a lot of money to pay for the privilege of being a contender. To put that in perspective, the tax bill alone is higher than the entire salary cap of $154.6 million.
Most owners would be crying.
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But Cleveland is in a unique spot. They have a core of players all under the age of 30. Mitchell is 29, Garland is 26, and Mobley is only 24. This isn't a "one year and done" situation like the older Lakers or Clippers rosters. This is a five-year window.
What Happens Next?
If you’re looking for a silver lining, it’s that the cap is projected to go up significantly with the new TV deal. That $46 million for Mobley might look like a steal in three years. For now, though, the front office has to be surgical.
They need to hit on their late-round picks like Tyrese Proctor and Luke Travers. Those "zero-dollar" or minimum-contract players are the only way to fill out the bench when your stars are eating 80% of the pie.
Actionable Insights for Cavs Fans:
- Watch the Trade Deadline: Don't expect a splash. The Cavs are "hard-capped" by their apron status, so any move has to be dollar-for-dollar or sending out more than they take back.
- Monitor the Health of Lonzo Ball: His $10M expiring (or club option) is one of the few "movable" pieces if they need to duck some tax later.
- Root for All-NBA Honors: While it makes the players more expensive (like Mobley’s "Rose Rule" bump), it also confirms the team has the top-tier talent required to justify this spending.
The 2025-26 season is the ultimate litmus test for Cleveland. They’ve spent the money. They’ve built the roster. Now, they just have to prove that a $400 million team can actually win a ring in the Land.