When the Cleveland Cavaliers landed Donovan Mitchell from the Utah Jazz in a massive trade deal back in 2022, expectations were sky-high. The Cavs sent over Lauri Markkanen, Collin Sexton, Ochai Agbaji, and a hefty package of draft picks in hopes of boosting their championship chances. Despite the optimism, the subsequent seasons haven’t quite turned the tide in Cleveland as hoped.
Now, with rumors swirling about Mitchell’s reluctance to commit unless the team makes a Finals run, the pressure is mounting. As Mitchell’s contract inches closer to its end, the Cavs face a critical challenge: to strategically reinforce their squad to not only reach deeper playoff runs but to ensure their star guard sees a future in Cleveland. With the Cavaliers tied 1-1 to the Celtics in the Conference Semifinals, the front office must be aggressive in the market for Mitchell to stay.
1. Damian Lillard
Potential Trade Offer For Damian Lillard: Darius Garland, Caris LeVert, 2031 first-round pick
Despite Damian Lillard’s strong performance in the playoffs, the Milwaukee Bucks were eliminated in the first round by the Indiana Pacers, losing the series 4-2. Lillard, who dealt with an Achilles strain, managed to return for the games but his condition was a concern. His teammate Giannis Antetokounmpo also missed crucial games due to injuries, further destabilizing the team’s playoff run.
On the Cleveland Cavaliers’ side, they are currently facing a challenging postseason, tying 1-1 against the Celtics in the semifinals after a grueling seven-game series against Orlando. Darius Garland played a pivotal role, contributing significantly with an average of 18.0 points and 6.5 assists per game over the season. His potential inclusion in a trade for Lillard, alongside Caris LeVert and a future first-round pick, could offer the Bucks a fresh start with younger talents and valuable assets.
For Cleveland, securing Lillard would mean not only gaining a proven playoff performer but also possibly increasing their appeal to retain Mitchell by pairing him with another elite scorer. The trade could balance both teams’ needs: Milwaukee could reboot with younger, capable players while managing their salary cap, and Cleveland could solidify their roster to better compete in the tough Eastern Conference landscape. This strategic exchange would be a pivotal move for both franchises, aiming to optimize their current assets and future prospects.
This scenario could provide the Bucks with the opportunity to rejuvenate their roster by adding a younger star in Garland and additional assets, while giving Lillard a chance to compete at a higher level with the Cavaliers, especially given the uncertainties around his current team’s injury struggles and recent playoff disappointments.
2. Brandon Ingram
Potential Trade Offer For Brandon Ingram: Caris LeVert, Jarrett Allen, 2030 first-round pick swap
Brandon Ingram’s tenure with the New Orleans Pelicans has been marked by a blend of high performance and significant injury setbacks, leading to a rocky situation. During the 2023-24 NBA season, despite moments of brilliance with 20.8 points, 5.7 assists, and 5.1 rebounds in 64 games, Ingram faced challenges, notably a bone bruise in his knee that sidelined him for critical games as the Pelicans were ramping up for the playoffs. His injury was a significant blow to the team, especially as they were playing some of their best basketball heading into the postseason.
The Pelicans, with a core of Zion Williamson and CJ McCollum alongside Ingram, have struggled to maintain a positive trajectory, often marred by injuries and inconsistent play. Reports suggest that moving Ingram could help alleviate salary cap pressures and potentially recalibrate the team’s dynamics for better future performance.
For the Cleveland Cavaliers, acquiring Ingram would offer a significant boost in terms of scoring and wing playmaking. Pairing him with Donovan Mitchell could create a dynamic duo capable of elevating the team’s competitive edge in the Eastern Conference. The proposed trade would see the Cavs send Caris LeVert and Jarrett Allen, along with a future first-round pick swap, to the Pelicans. LeVert’s expiring contract and Allen’s defensive prowess could be attractive to New Orleans as they look to rebuild and manage financial commitments more effectively.
Ingram’s ability to create his own shot and his performance when healthy suggest he could be the type of player who changes the complexion of a franchise. If Cleveland can manage his health effectively, this trade could be a pivotal move in their quest to solidify their roster around Mitchell and push deeper into the postseason. This strategic shift would aim to provide immediate help to the Cavs while offering the Pelicans a chance to reset with valuable assets and financial flexibility moving forward.
3. Paul George
Potential Trade Offer For Paul George: Caris LeVert, Max Strus, Isaac Okoro, Georges Niang, 2031 first-round pick
Paul George remains a significant figure in the NBA landscape, notably during the 2024 season, where he maintained his high performance levels despite the Los Angeles Clippers‘ challenges. This season, George averaged 22.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.5 assists across 74 games, showcasing his versatile skill set and ability to impact games significantly.
The Clippers’ 2024 campaign was marked by a disappointing first-round playoff exit at the hands of the Dallas Mavericks. Despite George’s efforts, including a standout 33-point performance in a critical Game 4 win, the Clippers struggled with consistency, especially in the absence of Kawhi Leonard, who dealt with injuries throughout the series.
Given the Clippers’ repeated playoff disappointments and the looming decision on his $48 million player option, George might see this offseason as the right time for a change, potentially to a team with a solid foundation and a clear upward trajectory. The trade rumors are fueled by the attractiveness of an expiring contract if he opts in, making him a valuable asset either on the court or in subsequent trade discussions.
For Cleveland, acquiring George would not only add a veteran presence with deep playoff experience but also create a formidable starting lineup alongside Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, Jarrett Allen, and Evan Mobley. This blend of youth and experience could catapult the Cavaliers into serious championship contention in the Eastern Conference.
4. Mikal Bridges
Potential Trade Offer for Mikal Bridges: Caris LeVert, Isaac Okoro, 2031 first-round pick
In the 2024 NBA season, Mikal Bridges emerged as a significant player for the Brooklyn Nets, boasting impressive stats with 19.6 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game. Despite his standout performances, the Nets have struggled to position themselves as genuine title contenders. This ongoing challenge is partly due to inconsistencies and gaps in their roster that have prevented them from competing at the highest level, especially in a highly competitive Eastern Conference.
The Nets’ current situation reflects a team in a transitional phase. While they possess talent, their roster composition has not meshed to form a cohesive unit capable of deep playoff runs. This scenario has sparked discussions about potential trades to either jumpstart a rebuild or realign the team around a new strategic vision.
For the Cleveland Cavaliers, acquiring a player like Bridges could significantly enhance their lineup. Bridges offers not just scoring ability but also excellent perimeter defense, which would be invaluable alongside Donovan Mitchell. Integrating Bridges could help balance the Cavaliers’ offensive and defensive capabilities, potentially making them a more formidable opponent in the playoffs.
The proposed trade would offer the Nets valuable assets and flexibility. Caris LeVert adds scoring depth, and Isaac Okoro offers defensive prowess. Additionally, the inclusion of a future first-round pick could be crucial for the Nets as they look to either rebuild or retool.
This trade scenario could be a strategic move for both teams, providing the Nets with an opportunity to realign their roster strategically while giving the Cavaliers a potential key piece to elevate their championship aspirations.
5. Kyle Kuzma
Potential Trade Offer for Mikal Bridges: Caris LeVert, Isaac Okoro, 2031 first-round pick
Kyle Kuzma’s 2023-24 NBA season with the Washington Wizards showcased him as a standout player amidst the team’s broader struggles. He averaged 22.3 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game, asserting himself as a key offensive leader following significant roster changes in Washington. Despite his individual success, the Wizards have found themselves near the bottom of the conference standings as the 14th seed, indicating a potential readiness to restructure their roster which could include moving valuable assets like Kuzma.
Given the Wizards’ position in the standings and their defensive inefficiencies, they might look to rebuild or retool by acquiring younger assets or draft picks that could help them in the longer term. Trading Kuzma could provide Washington with the necessary pieces to initiate this process, especially if they are looking to develop a new core.
For the Cleveland Cavaliers, acquiring Kyle Kuzma could significantly bolster their forward rotation, adding scoring depth and versatility to their lineup. Kuzma’s ability to score from the perimeter, as well as drive to the basket, would provide the Cavs with an additional offensive threat alongside Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland. This addition could be crucial in their pursuit of deeper playoff runs, particularly given Kuzma’s experience and his recent performances in high-stakes games.
Bringing in Kuzma would not only enhance the Cavaliers’ scoring options but also inject a seasoned player with playoff experience into a relatively young squad. His versatility would allow him to fit seamlessly into various lineup configurations, potentially making him a crucial piece in the Cavaliers’ quest for an NBA title.
