Last season, the Cleveland Cavaliers shocked the NBA, besting the then-healthy Boston Celtics for first place in the Eastern Conference. Despite bringing back largely the same roster, the Cavaliers have been overshadowed by the New York Knicks.
New York, like Cleveland, didn’t make any blockbuster additions this summer. However, with Mike Brown leading the way, the Knicks are seen as real title threats.
Don’t count the Cavs out! Last season, they finished with easily the best offense, led by Donovan Mitchell.
Mitchell has fallen flat in the playoffs season after season, but with two elite defenders in the paint and De’Andre Hunter in town, he finally has the support he needs. At least, for now.
GettyMIAMI, FLORIDA – APRIL 28: Donovan Mitchell #45 and Jarrett Allen #31 of the Cleveland Cavaliers celebrate against the Miami Heat during the first quarter in Game Four of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs at Kaseya Center on April 28, 2025 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
Cleveland Cavaliers Could Shake Up Their Core
Last season, the Cavs boasted the best offense, eighth-best defense, and finished with the second-best net rating, behind only the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Last year’s regular-season success was a bit of a surprise, as Cleveland barely got out of the first round in 2024. If they return to the middle of the pack (which seems hard to believe), they could make some drastic moves.
“Teams are monitoring how Cleveland starts the season,” reported Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix. “The Evan Mobley–Jarrett Allen tandem has been a smashing success and done a lot to protect the Cavs’ small-ish backcourt. Still, most believe Mobley’s long-term future is at center and Allen, a durable rim protector who shot a league-high 70.6% last season, could be available for the right mix of rotation players.”
Allen is under contract for the next four seasons, making at most $32 million in a single year. He is easily tradeable.
Should Cleveland opt to move him, adding floor-spacers for Mitchell to dish the ball out to, as well as perimeter defenders to take a load off Mobley, is a clear priority.
GettyDETROIT, MICHIGAN – FEBRUARY 05: Jarrett Allen #31 of the Cleveland Cavaliers is pulled away after shoving Ausar Thompson #9 of the Detroit Pistons during the fourth quarter of a game at Little Caesars Arena on February 05, 2025 in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Mulholland/Getty Images)
Possible Partners for Cavaliers Trade
Between Darius Garland, Mobley, Mitchell, and Allen, it’s clear that Allen is the odd man out. Mobley is very much the future, Mitchell is the present, and Garland is an excellent ball-handler who takes some pressure off Cleveland’s best player.
Allen is not a floor-spacer, but he is incredibly efficient at the rim and one of the more physical interior defenders in the NBA.
Teams like the Golden State Warriors, should Al Horford lose a step, will be very interested. The Los Angeles Lakers may also want to make a move if Deandre Ayton underwhelms.
The Lakers could offer Rui Hachimura, opening up some long-term flexibility for Cleveland.
If a Western Conference team isn’t interested, the Celtics could use Allen to cement their core for when Jayson Tatum returns. Allen is a fringe All-Star under team control. There will be a market for him.
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