As the trade deadline inches closer, the Cavaliers are facing familiar financial pressure and a subtle roster question.
In his annual look at all 30 front offices, ESPN’s Bobby Marks notes that Cleveland is operating $22.7 million over the second apron, limiting its flexibility as the season moves along.
The Cavs are not hard capped, but second-apron restrictions prevent them from aggregating salaries in trades if it keeps them above the threshold, and they are limited in how they can use trade exceptions.
The key question, Marks writes, centers on the wing rotation.
Jaylon Tyson’s emergence has complicated the picture. The former first-round pick was not part of the rotation when Cleveland acquired De’Andre Hunter last February, but Tyson has since carved out a meaningful role, averaging 28.2 minutes and 13.1 points per game. His development could make Hunter’s long-term fit less certain, particularly once Max Strus returns to the starting lineup.
Hunter has been semi-productive, averaging 15.4 points per game, but he is owed $24.9 million next season. Cleveland is already projected to remain above the second apron, making future salary decisions increasingly consequential.
In terms of assets, the Cavaliers control one future first-round pick, either in 2031 or 2032. Their notable expiring contracts include Lonzo Ball’s $10 million team option and Dean Wade’s $6.6 million deal.
Basically, Cleveland’s options are narrow, and any move would require careful navigation of the league’s most restrictive cap rules. And despite an uneven start, the Cavs are in no hurry and feel no urgency to make a deal.
Whether that changes by the Feb. 5 trade deadline will be determined by how things go from here.
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My dream 2nd apron trade would send Strus to the Bucks for Bobby Portis if the Bucks decide to start making changes.
I like that Bobby Portis addition..
If the Cavs can make bigger changes.. I would want to see what Cavs can get for either Garland, Allen, Mitchell, or any combination of the three.
I have always been a DG believer, in his talent.. but in terms of mindset I would like to go in another direction, and you can add physical presence to mindset.. as they go together to an extent.
Cavs have enough talent to significantly reshape the roster into a better fit all around. To get more out of the top tier talent we have, we’ll need guys who compliment each other more naturally.
I love what Mitchell can do.. but I’m willing to let it go for a more consistent form of high level production.. I know we would still need a guy to get the last shot.. an Ace card.. but the market on Mitchell is probably near peak.. and dividends on the court may not be there or as long term sustainable as what he could bring in return.. especially if draft picks are involved.
Allen might fit better somewhere else. Or with other core players. I’m not really sure what his value is right now.. and whether Cavs should find him a new spot for returns..
Meanwhile lets stop telling Mobley he’s somebody else. Some other star, waiting to hatch. And continue to work with him.. and find HIS spots. If we ever want him to do more of a mental takeover, I don’t think it will be with Mitchell on the roster. Mitchell is boss right now. And the deferring will continue. Mobley might be able to share that mentality with another star.. but Mitchell is a strong force at this point in his career. Things are more likely to be done Mitchell’s way on the floor than Mobleys, or thru Mobley naturally, rather than coached to do so.
First Round Pick, Cam Whitmore, and CJ MCCullum for Darius Garland.. Wizards get a PG for years to come, Garland and Sarr as their two headliners, with more to come. Cavs get tougher, get untapped talent in a position where we need more strength in Whitmore. A true fighter and fearless young player to grow in our core. CJ McCullum can retire in Ohio, and be the perfect complimentary player shooter to spread the floor and find Mobley the space he needs, and just make the right plays you’d hope for from a vet helping a young team. A true shooting guard, who could just fill it up.. while we get another PG to run tempo duties.. or have Mitchell control tempo (as he already does) more as a point guard, looking for CJ as a shooter. Mitchell to PG could be a thing to consider as we create a new look. CJ might not start long term or at all.. but could at least be first off the bench or a huge spark at significant minutes, for a few more years. A good player to add to a team, plays within his skillset.
All our bench guys not named Jalen Tyson have been here for years now.. and if we can find the right spark out there by making ome changes, I’m all for it.. Ty Jerome (probably) is not walking thru that door. Some of the team guys we’ve traded away, we have DeAndre hunter to show for it, which is nice.. But it doesn’t replace the little things they did. Especially their mindset. Jerome and Nyang were competitive and locked in mentally at a level that is underrated.. They had to be due to their physical limitations.. but it was contagious and it was timely, and it’s one of the ingredients to being clutch.. and one of the ingredients to going on long sustained runs.. in a game.. or in a game span, winning streak..
We need more guys that are champions in mindset. In fact, how many former champions do we have on this team? Any? Changes are needed as teams know Cavs will fold if you bully them enough. Get some future and some former champions in here to shift and maintain the focus where it needs to be on the players side.