Only a week has passed since the Cleveland Cavaliers were eliminated in a 4-1 Eastern Conference semifinal defeat to the surging Pacers, but the sting lingers.
The focus now shifts to the front office facing a challenging reality, the current roster shows promise but remains financially constrained and not quite playoff ready.
On a recent episode of “The Ken Carman Show,” analyst Danny Cunningham shared candid thoughts about potential offseason moves that could reshape the team’s foundation.
“Ultimately, I think this team needs to be reshaped a little bit. I would not be surprised if they made a significant move this offseason. Jarrett Allen certainly qualifies, somebody that is thought to be part of the core. [Koby Altman] said, ‘We’re not counting out a 28-year-old Donovan Mitchell; we’re not counting out a 25-year-old Darius Garland; we’re not counting out a 23-year-old Evan Mobley.’ He mentioned those three guys, and I think that is what the core actually is,” Cunningham said.
"I think this team needs to be reshaped a little bit. I would not be surprised if they made a significant move this offseason."
๐ @RealDCunningham with @KenCarman and @SportsBoyTony on the #Cavs offseason ๐โคต๏ธ
๐ Listen: https://t.co/LuwlCjDjNp pic.twitter.com/cM9kACYDj6
— 92.3 The Fan (@923TheFan) May 20, 2025
Cunningham believes Altman revealed his hand by omitting Allen from his core player mentions, suggesting the center might be available if the right offer materializes.
Jarrett Allen has been instrumental in Cleveland’s resurgence, anchoring the paint with reliable rebounding, rim protection, and efficient finishing.
However, playoff basketball exposed a fundamental issue: his pairing with Evan Mobley creates spacing problems.
In the modern NBA, floor spacing and defensive versatility matter tremendously, especially during critical moments.
Allen, despite his defensive contributions, restricts Mobley’s offensive development and clogs driving lanes for Cleveland’s guards.
Meanwhile, Mobley continues his rapid development, making Allen’s role increasingly redundant as time passes.
The financial situation adds another layer of complexity, with the Cavaliers having over $210 million committed to salaries for the 2025-26 season.
Trading Allen, who maintains solid value on his current contract, could help Cleveland reduce costs while acquiring wing players who provide much-needed shooting and tactical flexibility.
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