The Cleveland Cavaliers finally got over the hump… or did they?
The Cavaliers had never made it past the second round of the NBA Playoffs with their “core four.” That core included Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen. Change had to happen, and it did.
The franchise traded Garland to the Los Angeles Clippers in exchange for an aging veteran star in James Harden. As a result, the Cavs went deeper in the postseason than they ever had before. But was it worth it?
After a historic collapse in Game 1, the Cavs never showed signs of life again. Ultimately, they got swept on their own court by a blazing hot New York Knicks team.
At What Cost?
Trading for Harden pushed the Cleveland Cavaliers into a tight championship window.
Harden will enter his age-37 season in 2026-27. Garland is still 26.
Besides that, the Cavs’ offseason features other concerns. The team possesses limited ways to improve due to the second apron. In combination, Cleveland is now at a point where their win-now window is the next two seasons, at most, due to roster age and the second apron.
To be clear, making the Eastern Conference Finals is a positive step. It’s the franchise’s first ECF berth since 2017-18, LeBron James‘ last season on the roster. But the ultimate goal is a ring.
Due to the current roster construction and league rules, it remains now or never for the team.
More Change Needed for Cleveland Cavaliers
What’s next for the Cavs as they move into the offseason?
The answer is roster change, and a fair amount of it.
At first, there were calls to change the coach and even the team’s leadership. But that isn’t expected to take place.
New reporting suggests Kenny Atkinson will remain Cleveland’s head coach. As of Wednesday, Cavs’ president of basketball operations, Koby Altman, is also still with the franchise.
Regardless, something needs to be done. Being swept like the Cavs were won’t sit well. Since there won’t be a shift in the front office or the coaching staff, all signs point toward the roster.
“We will dig in all summer and do everything we possibly can to take the next step,” Dan Gilbert, owner of the Cavaliers, wrote in a post on X. “We will grind until we get there.”
Can Cavs Acquire The Freak or The King?
The Cavaliers should look to shake up their current “core four” of Mitchell, Harden, Mobley, and Allen.
Rumors continue to swirl of Cleveland being a possible team to acquire Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo. Reportedly, the Cavs turned down an offer involving Mobley.
After the Cavs’ embarrassing ECF loss, the team may look to revisit adding the former multi-time MVP and NBA champion. The fit of Giannis with Mitchell and company isn’t perfect or proven.
But teams rarely can add a top-five player to an already-loaded roster.
Then, there’s another option. It’s also a fan-favorite offseason headline: could James return to Cleveland?
LeBron will turn 42 in December. “The King” is in the twilight of his lengthy career. He’s certainly had his ups and downs with his current team, the Los Angeles Lakers. LeBron may look to return home to Northeast Ohio one last time to chase a ring in the city that will embrace him the most.
That said, money is an issue when it comes to LeBron being back in Cleveland. Current reporting suggests he will not take a veteran minimum or steep pay cut.
Only Time Will Tell For Cavs
Whether it is a blockbuster deal for Antetokounmpo, James, or even both, roster change appears inevitable in the Cavs’ offseason.
Will they be able to maneuver the second apron and cap restrictions? It remains to be seen. Additionally, a potentially new deal for Harden will only alleviate those issues.
One fact is true: when Gilbert is not happy with his basketball product, change happens. All signs point to that being the case with the current roster.
Cleveland: buckle up for a wild offseason.
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