A series win, a coaching change, and tons of trade rumors. The Cavs won a playoff series for the first time since 2018 but the future couldn’t be less clear. This off-season marks a major point in the Cavs’ timeline to win as they look to push themselves into a true contender.
2024 NBA Off-Season Preview: What’s Next for the Cleveland Cavaliers?
Season Recap
This Cavs season was a total rollercoaster. Cleveland started the year 13-12, nowhere near their expectations or the media’s expectations when stars Evan Mobley and Darius Garland went down for month-long injuries. It seemed as though now former Head Coach J.B. Bickerstaff’s time was up as Cavs coach early in the year. But after December 16, Donovan Mitchell and Jarrett Allen led the Cavs to an NBA-best 20-4 stretch. The Cavs went to one guard, one big, and three shooters lineup while Mobley and Garland were out and thrived. Mitchell had a legitimate MVP case as he was averaging 29.4 points, 7.4 assists, and 5.1 rebounds. Sam Merrill announced himself to the Cavs faithful with his elite three-point shooting. The Cavs sprung up the standings and despite a shaky end to the regular season finished 48-34 securing the fourth seed in the east playoffs.
Their playoff run can be summarized by two things: Donovan Mitchell and poor three-point shooting. Mitchell announced himself into the playoffs scoring 28.7 points per game and notching 50 in game six against the Orlando Magic. The Cavs would win the series in seven games, securing their first playoff series win since 2018. However, Mitchell was the Cavs’ offense most nights as they only managed to score over 100 points in four of their 12 playoff games.
The Cavs shot 31.5% from three as a team in the playoffs and it truly hurt their ability to win games. Their defense was still stellar but a lack of offense is likely the reason coach Bickerstaff was let go a few weeks ago. The Cavs would eventually be bounced in five games in the second round against the Boston Celtics. Injuries would yet again be the Cavs’ Achilles heel. Mitchell and Allen both missed several games during the playoffs.
Garland regressed as the Cavs’ secondary scorer following his jaw injury in December. Garland averaged just 16.6 points on 43.1% shooting from the end of January and was sub-par in the postseason. There are rumors surrounding his future after this season, but if he can replicate his previous season he is crucial to the Cavs success.
The ascension of Mobley was a bright spot for the Cavs. He continued to show his otherworldly defense as he averaged three stocks a game in the postseason, anchoring the defense. Mobley also had 15.7 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 3.2 assists a night in 50 games during his injury-riddled year. Still, bench depth and shooting are the Cavs’ main focus heading into the offseason. Cleveland could not find consistent shooting from anyone apart from Mitchell in the playoffs.
Projected Cap Space and Draft Picks
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Practical Cap Deficit of 48.2 Million
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20th overall Draft Pick
Key decisions will be made this offseason in Cleveland that’s for sure. With the 20th pick in the draft, the Cavs will be in a great position to add a key rotation piece for next season. Several players could provide an instant impact upon their arrival. Tristan Da Silva, Carlton Carrington, and Tyler Smith are all names to monitor as June’s Draft approaches. The potential of adding Da Silva or Smith’s shooting and defense is certainly an exciting possibility.
It would be interesting if the Cavs opt to trade the pick. The Cavs are seen to be possibly open to a Garland trade on draft night. That trade could potentially include pick 20. A Garland trade would also add another star name in Cleveland. Reports of Pelicans’ Brandon Ingram and San Antonio’s Keldon Johnson are possible returns if a trade happens.
Pending Free Agents and Possible Departures
Free Agents
- Isaac Okoro (Restricted/Qualifying Offer)
- Damian Jones (Player Option)
- Tristan Thompson (Unrestricted)
- Marcus Morris Sr. (Unrestricted)
- Pete Nance (Two Way/Qualifying Offer)
- Isaiah Mobley (Two Way/Qualifying Offer)
- Emoni Bates (Two Way/Qualifying Offer)
Isaac Okoro is the only major player the Cavs have to decide about. Extending him a qualifying offer will mean he will earn about 11.8 million this upcoming season. Okoro was arguably an All-defensive team wing defender in mid-January. Tristan Thompson and Marcus Morris also provided some minutes in the playoffs, highlighted by Morris’ 25 points in game 5 against Boston.
The Cavs’ main focus will, however, be Mitchell. Who has one year remaining on his current deal, is eligible for a four-year extension worth roughly 200 million. Reports seem to favor the idea of Mitchell staying in Cleveland for the foreseeable future with this extension. Mitchell’s staying would cement that Cavs with a top 3 player in his position and perennial All-Star. Since coming to Cleveland Mitchell has averaged 27.5 points, 5.2 assists, and 4.6 rebounds.
Trade Pieces
- Darius Garland
Garland’s agent, Klutch Sports CEO, Rich Paul, has hinted that if the Cavs extend Donovan Mitchell this offseason he will seek a trade for the one-time all-star. As mentioned earlier, Garland struggled to find his feet after his jaw injury in December. Cavs GM Koby Altman has made it clear he sees no need for massive change this offseason, but a trade request could force his hand. In 2023, Garland averaged 21.6 points and 7.8 assists alongside Mitchell, proving the tandem can work.
Realistic Off-Season Targets
Trade
- Brandon Ingram
- Keldon Johnson
Brandon Ingram would be the replacement for Garland in a potential trade. The Cavs would land Brandon Ingram and his elite ability to score off the dribble. Ingram is long and a solid defender, but lacks the passing Garland is elite at. I believe that the Cavs are better off with their 24-year-old star. His camaraderie with Mitchell is important as the two could potentially be an elite backcourt.
On the other hand, a Keldon Johnson trade would mean the Cavs acquire some draft capital as well. Johnson, 24, is the same age as Garland and is also able to create his own shot. I do not believe Altman shops Garland unless his hand is forced. It is hard to see the Cavs improving this off-season if he is traded.
Free Agents
In their current state, the Cavs are not positioned to make a big splash in the free-agent market. Bringing back Okoro will be a priority but taking a look at Royce O’Neale could be a backup plan. The Cavs pursued O’Neale at February’s trade deadline before he was ultimately dealt to Phoenix from Brooklyn. O’Neale is a true three-and-D wing and would join the Cavs rotation instantly. O’Neale averaged 7.7 points on 37% shooting from three and could be a Cavs offseason move.
Coaches
Following the departure of Head Coach J.B. Bickerstaff, the Cavs are in the market for a new coach for the first time in five years. Warriors assistant Kenny Atkinson and New Orleans assistant James Borrego are early favorites to take the reins. Atkinson coached current Cavaliers, Jarrett Allen and Caris Levert during his time as Head Coach in Brooklyn. Borrego was most recently the Head Coach for the Charlotte Hornets from 2018-2022. Both coaches will interview for Cleveland soon. Overall, this is a big off-season in Cleveland. The future of this iteration of the Cleveland Cavaliers is truly on the line. It is up to Koby Altman to steer the ship the right way this summer.
