The Cleveland Cavaliers, fresh off a second-round exit in the 2024 NBA playoffs, are reportedly not actively looking to trade any of their top contributors. According to Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports, the Cavs “don’t appear very motivated” to entertain offers for their “Core Four,” which includes Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, Jarrett Allen, and Evan Mobley.
The Core Four’s Impact
This talented quartet has been instrumental in Cleveland’s success. The Cavs secured the No. 4 seed in the Eastern Conference this season with a 48-34 record, overcoming the Orlando Magic in the first round of the playoffs before falling to the eventual Eastern Conference champion Boston Celtics in the second round.
Cleveland Cavaliers: Building the Foundation
Garland, Allen, and Mobley have been playing together since the 2021-22 season. The addition of Donovan Mitchell last season, through a blockbuster trade with the Utah Jazz, has significantly bolstered the team. The move paid off as the Cleveland Cavaliers reached the playoffs in 2023 with a 51-31 record, marking their first postseason appearance since 2018.
Breaking Playoff Records
This season, the Cleveland Cavaliers achieved significant milestones. They won their first playoff series since 2018 and their first without LeBron James on the roster since 1993. Donovan Mitchell, in his first season with Cleveland, finished sixth in NBA MVP voting, averaging a career-high 28.3 points per game, alongside 4.4 assists, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.5 steals.
Donovan Mitchell’s Continued Excellence
Mitchell continued to shine this season, averaging 26.6 points, 6.1 assists, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.8 steals per game, earning his fifth consecutive All-Star selection. Despite missing 27 games due to injury, his impact was undeniable. As he enters the final year of his contract in 2024-25, ESPN NBA insider Brian Windhorst noted on the Brian Windhorst & The Hoop Collective podcast that Cleveland plans to offer him a $200 million contract extension.
Potential Trade Scenarios
While the Cleveland Cavaliers are keen to retain Donovan Mitchell, he remains a trade candidate if he declines the extension. Should Mitchell stay, Darius Garland might become the top trade possibility due to the potential redundancy in their skill sets. Fischer suggested that Garland’s representation might request a trade if Mitchell signs a long-term deal.
Keeping the Core Intact
All four of the Cavaliers’ top players are signed through at least next season. The organization seems inclined to give this group another chance to contend. Over the past two seasons, the Cavs have been among the top teams in the Eastern Conference. Despite having only one playoff series win, they have a strong chance to challenge the Celtics next season.
Looking Ahead to the 2024-25 Campaign
If the “Core Four” returns for the 2024-25 season, a few adjustments to the supporting cast could position Cleveland as one of the top contenders in the East. With the right roster tweaks, the Cavaliers could enhance their chances of making a deep playoff run.
Looking Ahead
The Cleveland Cavaliers’ commitment to their “Core Four” signals their belief in the current roster’s potential. As they prepare for the upcoming season, the team aims to build on their recent successes and emerge as a dominant force in the Eastern Conference. The combination of strategic player retention and key roster enhancements could make the Cavs a team to watch in 2024-25.
