For the third consecutive year, the Cleveland Cavaliers exited the NBA Playoffs early, this time after a five-game series loss to the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference Semifinals.
Although that defeat now appears less severe given the Pacers` subsequent journey to the NBA Finals (even securing home-court advantage against the Oklahoma City Thunder), the top-seeded Cavs had aimed for far more than just another second-round elimination. Despite a strong regular season, their playoff run was again hampered by injuries, with Evan Mobley sustaining an ankle sprain and Darius Garland missing games and being limited upon his return due to a toe injury.
As the Cavaliers` offseason began prematurely yet again, speculation arose about whether the team might finally undertake the significant roster changes to their core that they postponed last summer, when they opted instead for a coaching change, replacing J.B. Bickerstaff with Kenny Atkinson. While Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley (fresh off a Defensive Player of the Year win) are considered untouchable, the future of Darius Garland and Jarrett Allen with the team appears less certain for the upcoming season.
Last summer, rumors circulated that Garland might seek a move away from Cleveland, having seen his role diminish somewhat following Donovan Mitchell`s arrival. However, he rebounded with another strong season in 2024-25, which quieted those concerns. After his playoff difficulties and injury (requiring surgery), other teams again began to wonder if he might be available. However, ESPN`s Brian Windhorst recently stated in a radio interview that Garland is `not getting traded`.
If Garland is indeed off the table, the only significant potential roster change for the Cavaliers would involve trading Jarrett Allen. Many teams would be interested in acquiring the former All-Star center, as he is likely the best big man available on the trade market. However, Cleveland would need a return package that helps them contend immediately, which few teams can offer.
Considering Allen`s $20 million per year salary, it`s difficult to construct a trade that would clearly upgrade the Cavaliers, whether through a single player or added depth. For instance, the Lakers are known to be seeking a starting-caliber center, and Allen`s skills as a lob threat and rim protector would be a great fit alongside players like Luka Dončić or LeBron James. However, for Cleveland to make such a move, they would likely need to value a potential return package, such as one involving Dorian Finney-Smith or Dalton Knecht, far more than seems reasonable to complete such a deal.
Finding a trade for Allen that definitively improves the Cavs appears exceptionally challenging. For this reason, the team might choose to keep the core together for another season if they are unwilling to trade Garland. Garland represents their best opportunity to acquire significant assets in a trade, but their hesitation to part with a young point guard of his caliber is understandable. If they choose this path—which Windhorst`s comments suggest is likely—the upcoming season will be a decisive one for the current Cavaliers roster.
The injuries they faced this postseason provide the organization with an argument for giving the team another opportunity to compete in the playoffs at full health. The success of this year`s Indiana Pacers serves as a prime example for teams like the Cavs to highlight the potential benefits of keeping a core group together for another year.
However, if they fail to reach the Conference Finals again next year, regardless of whether injuries are a factor, this iteration of the team will likely be dismantled. Four consecutive early playoff exits cannot be viewed as anything but a disappointment, and ownership is unlikely to remain patient with a roster incurring significant luxury tax penalties and operating in the second apron.
Jasper Hawthorne