Report: Cavaliers ‘Are Active In Trade Talks’

According to Brian Windhorst of ESPN, the Cleveland Cavaliers “are active in trade talks.”

The Cavaliers had the best record in the East this year. They swept the Miami Heat in the first round of the playoffs and looked primed to make a run at the championship. 

However, Cleveland lost to the Indiana Pacers in the second round in five games. The franchise hasn’t advanced past the second round since acquiring Donovan Mitchell from the Utah Jazz in 2022. 

“If you’re asking me if the Cavs are active in trade talks, I have to give you a straight answer, yes I think they are,” – @WindhorstESPN 👀

FULL EPISODE: https://t.co/doBJp2zqh2 https://t.co/bvwCSgtk5v pic.twitter.com/eutxkqyvCL

— ESPN Cleveland (@ESPNCleveland) June 6, 2025

Mitchell and Evan Mobley are the only “untouchable” players on the Cavaliers, sources told Hoops Wire. 

By winning Defensive Player of the Year this season, Mobley triggered a clause in his contract that calls for him to increase the first-year salary of his rookie-scale extension from 25% to 30% of the salary cap.

As a result, the Cavaliers are now projected to have $219 million in salary for the 2025-26 season and be over the second apron.

Ty Jerome and Sam Merrill become unrestricted free agents this offseason. Meanwhile, Darius Garland and Jarrett Allen have already found themselves in trade rumors and the NBA Finals just started. 

It could be a long offseason for Cavaliers fans in terms of rumors. Changes could be made. The roster could also remain intact. After all, Cleveland did win 64 games under first-year head coach Kenny Atkinson, who won the Coach of the Year Award.

It’s worth mentioning, though, that many people in NBA circles don’t believe Cleveland can win it all with Garland and Mitchell in the same backcourt since both players are small.  

Garland is listed at 6-1, 192 pounds, while Mitchell is listed at 6-3, 215 pounds.