Rival exec: ‘Cavs active’ in trade talks ahead of deadline

The Cavaliers appear to be approaching a pivotal stretch, both on the court and behind the scenes.

According to ESPN’s Tim Bontemps and Brian Windhorst, the Cavs are heading toward what one league source described as a potential “gut check” moment with Donovan Mitchell, who has one more guaranteed year left on his contract and has yet to reach the conference finals.

At the same time, the Cavs are navigating the financial reality of carrying the highest payroll in the NBA and projecting to remain over the second apron again next season. That limits flexibility in trades, restricts roster-building options, and raises the stakes on every decision.

Still, rival executives believe they’re at least testing the market.

“Cleveland is active (in trade discussions),” one exec told Bontemps and Windhorst. “We’re not sure what they’re trying to set up — and they may not be either — but they’re active.”

As previously reported, second apron restrictions prevent the Cavs from taking back more salary in a trade, aggregating contracts, sending cash, or signing certain waived players.

That does not eliminate their ability to make moves, but it does make meaningful upgrades harder to execute.

Injuries and lineup instability have only added to the tension. Cleveland has already used more than 20 different starting lineups, and last season’s most-relied-upon five of Darius Garland, Mitchell, Max Strus, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen has yet to start together this year.

Whether the Cavs are positioning for a short-term adjustment or a longer-term recalibration remains unclear. What is clear is that they’re trying to do something before Thursday’s deadline to make a deal.

Names to watch: De’Andre Hunter, acquired at last year’s deadline, and Lonzo Ball, who carries a team option on his contract for next season.