The Cleveland Cavaliers made their first playoff appearance without LeBron James on the roster in over 25 years this season, proving that the franchise has finally found a way to succeed without needing James, as they did in the 2000s and 2010s.
Darius Garland and Donovan Mitchell’s All-Star backcourt partnership was a key reason behind this success. Despite that, reports surfaced implying Garland is available for trade, something that Mitchell found hilarious.
“I see we are bored this beautiful afternoon.”
I see we are bored this beautiful afternoon😂😂
— Donovan Mitchell (@spidadmitchell) June 28, 2023
Garland averaged 21.6 points and 7.8 assists last season and was named an All-Star the season before that. He is just 23 years old and has a lot of development in him still. His combination of speed and skill is almost impossible to guard and Garland exerted his will on opponents as the team’s second option behind Mitchell.
The Cavaliers Don’t Need Big Changes
Even though the 2023 playoffs ended in disappointment for the Cavs with a first-round exit, the team has no reason to panic. Evan Mobley is just 22 years old and Garland is 23, while both Mitchell and Allen are under the age of 27. This core can grow together for years, but the team does need to make one much-needed addition this summer.
Isaac Okoro hasn’t been as productive as the starting wing on this roster, while Caris LeVert doesn’t have the two-way tools necessary to be effective in that role. The Cavaliers need to scour the market to see which difference-making wings are available. They could take a run at options like Harrison Barnes or Taurean Prince in the summer, as their contract situation restricts them from making a major upgrade at the spot unless they trade one of their four core players.
The team needs to also think about an extension for Donovan Mitchell, as the All-NBA star can become a free agent in two seasons and will be extension eligible in the summer of 2024.
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