The Cleveland Cavaliers have a lot to prove in the 2025-26 season, and anything short of true playoff success will lead to serious doubts about the future.
Because of that, they could be a team that shakes things up before the trade deadline.
Writing for ESPN, Anthony Slater said he wouldn’t be surprised if the Cavs make a move prior to the deadline.
The worse they do, the more likely a change is.
“For the Cavaliers’ situation, disappointment and desperation can breed movement. If they fear their high-value core four won’t get it done in the playoffs again, they may decide to flip one and change up the mix,” Slater wrote.
Everyone is going to be paying close attention to this team during every single game.
Right from their very first night, people will talk about how well they are doing and what needs to be changed.
If the Cavs reach midseason and they aren’t looking like true championship contenders, the fans will be calling on them to do something, even something drastic.
There will be a few options for the front office at that point.
They could trade away someone like Darius Garland or Jarrett Allen, or might even make bigger and more surprising moves.
Whatever they do, they have to be careful because if the Cavs don’t handle that situation correctly, they could put themselves in a deep hole.
Fans are trying not to get ahead of themselves and will attempt to take this season one game at a time.
But there is no doubt that if things get rocky, there is going to be significant speculation about the path ahead for the Cavaliers.
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