For years, the Cleveland Cavaliers resisted the idea of breaking up their core four. Despite back-to-back playoff disappointments against the New York Knicks and Boston Celtics, many around the league believed the roster — featuring two max-contract guards and two big men with limited range — needed a shake-up. Yet, Koby Altman stayed the course, holding onto Darius Garland and Jarrett Allen amid ongoing speculation they’d be traded for a wing. That group, under new head coach Kenny Atkinson, went on to win 64 regular-season games.
However, that impressive regular season ended on a sour note, as the Cavs were eliminated in just five games by the Indiana Pacers in the second round. While injuries may have played a role, the outcome was nonetheless deflating. With coaching already addressed and the roster among the league’s deepest — albeit one facing salary cap constraints — there aren’t many clear options left to improve. And the team still hasn’t advanced to the conference finals.
This opens the door to more dramatic decisions. Could this be the summer Cleveland finally explores trading Garland or Allen? According to Chris Fedor of the Cleveland Plain Dealer, it’s a possibility. On his Wine and Gold Talk podcast, Fedor said, “The two untouchables are Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley,” but added that the team seems more open than before to considering offers for Garland and Allen.
Of course, a trade requires a suitable offer, and the Cavaliers face financial roadblocks. They’re currently around $10 million over the projected second apron — and that’s without factoring in possible re-signings like Ty Jerome or Sam Merrill. Bringing in more salary than they send out would trigger a first-apron hard cap. While this can be navigated through multi-team trades, aggregating salaries (which would incur a second-apron hard cap) is likely off the table unless Cleveland clears significant space.
This limits their flexibility. Trading for someone who earns more than Garland or Allen would require salary aggregation, which may not be feasible. More realistically, Cleveland would be targeting deals that return multiple lower-salary players to help balance the roster. Teams with young wings or valuable draft assets could be potential partners.
There may not be many playoff-caliber teams urgently in need of a center, but the Lakers are a notable exception. They could revisit the type of offer they made for Mark Williams at the deadline — though Allen has a stronger résumé. Since L.A. is unlikely to part with Austin Reaves, any trade would likely involve a third team to send players (not picks) to Cleveland.
Garland’s market might be broader. Teams are always looking for shot creators, and Garland fits that mold. Orlando needs a lead guard. Houston could use his offense. New Orleans, under new leadership, might reconsider their backcourt after Dejounte Murray’s injury. Garland’s youth also means a surprise contender could make a move.
That said, moving Garland would be more complicated than dealing Allen. Mobley can shift to center if Allen is traded, but Garland’s departure would leave a bigger gap. Mitchell is a dynamic scorer, but not a true floor general. Cleveland would need to find a serviceable point guard in return — or potentially elevate Jerome, a risky proposition given his injury history.
It’s still early in the offseason. Cleveland has time to evaluate the market. Being open to trading Garland or Allen doesn’t mean the Cavaliers will make a move — only that they’re willing to listen. But unless a compelling offer emerges, they may keep the core intact for another run.