This was supposed to be the year.
After multiple seasons of early playoff exits, the Cleveland Cavaliers had a 64-win regular season that set the stage for a deep postseason run.
Young players like Evan Mobley and Darius Garland had more experience. Veterans like Jarrett Allen and Donovan Mitchell were healthy. They acquired DeAndre Hunter in a midseason trade to bolster wing depth.
In the end, it added up to five playoff wins and an embarrassing second-round loss to the Indiana Pacers.
Questions will arise. Should Cleveland run it back? Should they restart? Fans will be more likely to want change after seeing how the Pacers dismantled this version of the Cavs.
Here’s a few ways the team could shake things up in the offseason.
Cleveland trades for Kevin Durant
Phoenix is the forgotten treasure trove of distressed assets. The Suns were openly shopping Kevin Durant at the trade deadline before both parties decided to finish the season out together. Could the two-time champion find his change of scenery along Lake Erie?
Cavaliers receive:
Suns receive:
- Jarrett Allen
- DeAndre Hunter
- Max Strus
- 2025 2nd round pick
- 2026 1st round pick
This could answer some problems for both sides. The Suns have struggled with finding capable players for their frontcourt and don’t have many good defenders. Both Strus and Hunter can be 3-and-d wings, while Allen can anchor the middle.
The Cavs would acquire a superstar to pair with Donovan Mitchell who has proven he can win in the biggest moments. Cleveland would boast a starting lineup of Garland, Mitchell, Durant, Mobley, and then have the flexibility to go small or pick up another big man for the fifth spot.
Cleveland trades for Giannis Antetokounmpo
Antetokounmpo is the hottest name on the trade market right now after reports that he is open to new scenery. The Cavs could acquire the Greek Freak and have even more star power going into next season.
Cavaliers receive:
- Giannis Antetokounmpo
- Kyle Kuzma
Bucks receive:
- Darius Garland
- Jarrett Allen
- Max Strus
- 2026 1st round pick
The Cavs would have to maybe ship out even more for this deal to work. But Garland, Allen, and Strus give Milwaukee quality players at all three levels. With Damian Lillard out all of next year, it could revamp the Bucks.
The Cavs could acquire Antetokounmpo and pair him with Mitchell and Mobley as one of the most formidable trios in the league. Cleveland would also have the opportunity to take on a recovery project in Kyle Kuzma.
MORE: Cavs, LeBron James getting back together might solve everyone’s contract and playoff problems
Cleveland trades for Derrick White
This is a less notable deal than the previous two, but it still answers a need for Cleveland. The Cavs have boasted a talented backcourt but struggle defensively versus talented guards. White could be the remedy for this problem.
Cavaliers receive:
Celtics receive:
- Jarrett Allen
- 2026 1st round pick
- 2027 2nd round pick
Jarrett Allen is in all three of these trades because the Cavaliers haven’t gotten return on investment for the big man. He has disappeared in some big moments and it’s time for a change. He could be useful for the Celtics as they near the end of Kristaps Porzingis’ contract.
Derrick White has often been an Achilles heel for the Cavs. He averaged 18 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists against Cleveland this season. The Olympic gold medalist could be a great addition to their backcourt.
Whether Cleveland decides to run it back or assemble a new group, it’s going to be a tough offseason for a team who’s postseason success did not match their regular season success.
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