As a new season approaches, the Cleveland Cavaliers seem to be close, if not done, to finalizing their roster and keeping their core intact. Amidst a relatively quiet offseason, the wine-and-gold returned many familiar faces that helped the team reach the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals in the Spring.
Cleveland Cavaliers Keep Core Together Ahead of 2024-25 Season
After falling to the eventual NBA Champions, the Boston Celtics, the Cavaliers entered the 2024 offseason with major uncertainty. Superstar Donovan Mitchell was involved in trade rumors galore, while stars Darius Garland and Jarrett Allen were also seemingly on the block. However, despite not bringing in many players, the Cavaliers front office secured the future of their core this summer. Mitchell, Allen, and Evan Mobley signed huge deals to keep this Cleveland core intact for at least the next three seasons.
The only major move the Cavaliers made this offseason was firing a long-time head coach. J.B. Bickerstaff. He served as their coach since 2020 and was replaced by Golden State Warriors assistant coach Kenny Atkinson. Outside of this change, the Cleveland starters, rotation, and assets remained eerily similar.
Re-Signings
This offseason, the Cavaliers brought back nearly every member of their rotation from last season. Tristan Thompson was brought back on a one-year deal to play backup to Allen and Mobley. The former NBA Champion averaged 3.3 points and 3.6 rebounds in just 11.2 minutes per game last season. Isaac Okoro was re-signed last week to a three-year deal as he will play as the seventh or eighth man off the bench this year.
The big moves were keeping Mitchell, Allen, and Mobley. Mitchell signed a three-year, $150 million deal in July to commit his future to the Cavs. Allen got a three-year, $91 million contract, while Mobley signed a five-year max extension worth $224 million.
The Cavaliers added rookie Jaylon Tyson through the draft this summer. Outside of Tyson, Cleveland has zero new players heading into the season. They also lost Marcus Morris Sr. in free agency as he signed with the New York Knicks recently. Morris played the back end of last year with the Cavs.
The Core Four
It is rare to see a small-market team like Cleveland retain its big-name free agents. The Cavaliers have an elite core with Mitchell, Allen, Mobley, and Garland. The foursome has led the Cavs to back-to-back playoff appearances, which has not been done since LeBron James was on the team.
Despite falling short in both seasons, the front office believes in this roster. Mitchell can be a legitimate MVP candidate if he can stay healthy this season. Garland and Allen have been solid in their roles, while Mobley is due for a breakout season. This core has a chance to write history in Cleveland. For a franchise that is widely known for drafting and having James, this is the best roster Cleveland has assembled without him since the 1980s.
A lot will be made about this Cavs roster if they disappoint in the postseason yet again. However, under a new head coach, the sky is the limit for this immensely talented team.
