The Cleveland Cavaliers enter the 2025-26 campaign with a chip on their shoulders, aiming to reach the NBA Finals for the first time since the 2017-18 campaign.
The Cavaliers finished the 2024-25 season with a 64-18 record, claiming the top seed in the Eastern Conference before ultimately falling to the Indiana Pacers in the conference semifinals. Now, Cleveland will look to bounce back in a wide-open East.
While the Eastern Conference features several rising teams — including the Atlanta Hawks, Detroit Pistons and Orlando Magic — the Cavaliers and New York Knicks enter the 2025-26 season as clear favorites in the conference. Still, it wouldn’t be surprising if the Cavaliers made a move to strengthen their depth.
MORE: NBA teams could look to acquire Cavaliers big man Jarrett Allen
Cavaliers trade Jarrett Allen to Pacers in multi-asset deal
Bleacher Report’s Andy Bailey put together a mock trade that would send Jarrett Allen to the Indiana Pacers, returning multiple assets to the Cavaliers.
Here’s Bailey’s trade proposal:
Cavaliers receive: Obi Toppin, Ben Sheppard, 2029 first-round pick (top-five protected)
Pacers receive: Jarrett Allen
Allen is under contract through the 2028-29 season and could help the Pacers in a playoff run once Tyrese Haliburton returns in 2026-27 from his torn Achilles, which he sustained in Game 7 of the NBA Finals last season. With Myles Turner now on the Milwaukee Bucks, Allen could serve as a long-term replacement at center.
Meanwhile, the Cavaliers have reigning Defensive Player of the Year Evan Mobley ready to ascend. By moving Mobley to the five on a full-time basis, Cleveland could prioritize stretching the floor at power forward with Toppin. Additionally, Sheppard would provide valuable wing depth behind Donovan Mitchell and De’Andre Hunter.
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