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CLEVELAND, OHIO - JANUARY 08: Darius Garland #10 Jarrett Allen #31 and Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers celebrate during the fourth quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on January 08, 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Thunder 129-122. 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 Jason Miller/Getty Images)
The Cleveland Cavaliers are two months removed from wrapping up their second-most successful regular season in franchise history.
After going 64-18 and earning the top seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs, however, the team suffered a disappointing and surprising finish to their campaign, falling to the Indiana Pacers in five games in the conference semifinals.
Now, rumors continue to swirl regarding whether president of basketball operations Koby Altman would consider breaking up the team’s “core four” stars — guards Darius Garland and Donovan Mitchell and big men Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen.
Hoops Wire’s Sam Amico reported on Monday that two members of the quartet are “untouchable,” while the other two were still probably not going to get traded.
“The deeper we get into the Cavaliers’ offseason, the more it appears they are set to make some changes. Perhaps none involving Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley, Jarrett Allen, or Darius Garland, mind you. But almost definitely around the edges of the roster,” he wrote. “Let’s start here — Mitchell and Mobley are untouchable and aren’t going anywhere. Meanwhile, the Cavs could be open to moving Garland or Allen. But even that seems pretty unlikely.”
For what it’s worth, Mitchell is still seeing his name floated in numerous trade proposals, and crazier things have happened.
Garland, meanwhile, may have seen some of his trade value drop recently when it was reported that the two-time All-Star was “likely to miss time to start the regular season” due to his toe injury.
Cleveland Sports Columnist Cites Trade Rumors, ‘Major Problem’ Surrounding Former No. 5 Draft Pick
With Cleveland’s pair of All-NBA players (Mitchell and Mobley) and two other standouts apparently most likely staying put, Amico broke down who Altman and company could ship out this summer. Amico credited Cleveland.com’s Terry Pluto with the original reporting of the details.
“Several others, however, indeed could be on the move. As we’ve relayed, the Cavs reportedly are exploring trades centered on forward Dean Wade and Isaac Okoro. That doesn’t mean they’re desperate to move anyone. It means president of basketball operations Koby Altman and the front office are doing their jobs,” Amico wrote. “Pluto wrote that ‘the Cavs are looking to make some roster changes, even if the Core Four remain the same. They are looking for rotation players, guys who can come off the bench and be effective in the regular season and the playoffs.'”
Pluto called Isaac Okoro a “solid player in the regular season, but his lack of offense has been a major problem in the playoffs.” He even claimed that “opposing teams just ignore him when he has the ball.”
Furthermore, it was reported by Chris Fedor on his “Wine & Gold Talk” podcast that the Cavaliers were “struggling” to find a trade partner for Okoro, who was selected fifth overall in 2020.
What Are Cavaliers Reportedly Seeking This Offseason?
Aside from what head coach Kenny Atkinson’s group may or may not give up this summer, Amico also reported on what they could be looking to add.
“It’s hard to tell what the Cavs are seeking specifically, though it’s pretty common knowledge they could use a backup power forward/center. They will also need to find some guards if they lose Ty Jerome and Sam Merrill in free agency,” he wrote.
Sam Merrill appeared in a career-high 71 games this season, making four starts, while averaging career highs in minutes (19.7) and rebounds per contest as well (2.2).
Ty Jerome had by far the best season of his six-year career, posting high marks in field goal percentage (.516), three-point field goal percentage (.439), games played (70), points (12.5) and steals per contest (1.1). The Virginia product finished third in the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year voting as well.