Cavs check in on Giannis Antetokounmpo, ramp up James Harden talks

The Cavaliers have quietly inserted themselves into the biggest conversations in the NBA.

While much of the league remains skeptical that the Bucks will actually trade Giannis Antetokounmpo before Thursday’s deadline, the Cavs have been among the teams to check in with Milwaukee.

ESPN’s Brian Windhorst said that the Cavs have also inquired about Mavericks big man Anthony Davis, underscoring just how wide the front office’s focus has become.

That does not mean a blockbuster is imminent. The Cavs are still operating roughly $14 million above the second tax apron, which prevents them from aggregating contracts and makes matching a $54 million-plus salary extremely difficult without first shedding significant money.

Still, the tone around Cleveland has changed.

Windhorst suggested the Cavs are more open than ever to discussing players who were once considered off limits, including Darius Garland and Jarrett Allen.

Concerns about the group’s championship ceiling, along with the long-term picture surrounding Donovan Mitchell, appear to be driving that openness.

League-wide skepticism remains high that Milwaukee will pull the trigger this week. Sam Amick of The Athletic reported that as of Monday evening, offers for Antetokounmpo were viewed as underwhelming, with many agents and executives expecting the saga to carry into the offseason.

Waiting would give the Bucks draft lottery clarity, additional suitors, and more leverage over 2026 draft capital.

That said, Cleveland is not sitting still.

The Cavs have ramped up discussions with the Clippers on a potential James Harden-Garland framework, with NBA insider Chris Haynes reporting that talks between the two teams intensified Tuesday afternoon. Harden’s situation remains fluid, but Cleveland’s interest is real.

Even if a Giannis or Davis swing proves unrealistic, the Cavs are clearly exploring major structural changes. With Garland, Allen, and Harden all part of active conversations, Cleveland has positioned itself squarely in the middle of deadline chaos.

They are calling. They are listening. And they are no longer protecting everything.