Think it's open season on some combination of the Cleveland Cavaliers' four best players?
Think again.
According to Yahoo Sports' Jake Fischer, the Cavs "don't appear very motivated to listen to trade inquiries for any member of their core four."
This seems somewhat hard to believe relative to previous reporting.
Immediately following Cleveland's second-round exit at the hands of the Celtics, Shams Charania, Jason Lloyd and Joe Vardon of The Athletic dropped a postmortem featuring a treasure trove of gossip. Among the greatest hits:
- Members of the organization expressed "frustration" that Jarrett Allen "refused an injection to try and numb the pain and play" through a rib injury.
- Darius Garland and his reps at Klutch Sports Group could "have a conversation with Cavs officials on potentially finding a new home for the one-time All-Star" if Donovan Mitchell signs a four-year, $208.5 million extension.
- There's a "growing sentiment around the league that the Cavaliers" will get Mitchell to sign said extension.
This is a situation rife with question marks and potential chaos. For the time being, though, it makes sense for Cleveland to let things play out.
Only one domino has fallen so far: The firing of head coach J.B. Bickerstaff. But based on that piece from The Athletic, dismissing him was done in service of keeping Mitchell (and placating other players).
Really, the Cavs shouldn't be working the phones until they have more information. They won't get the necessary perspective before they hire a new head coach and, most critically, offer Mitchell an extension.
Mitchell's future is the pivot point. If he puts pen to paper, the Cavs can address Garland's happiness (or lack thereof) and decide whether to move Allen in an attempt to balance out the roster. (Evan Mobley isn't going anywhere.)
If Mitchell doesn't sign the deal, Cleveland must look to move him, lest it risk losing him for nothing in 2025 free agency (player option). In this scenario, the Garland situation becomes a non-issue. Allen's future would remain up in the air, but again, it's not something you attempt to act on until you have clarity on Mitchell's future.
Verdict: Buy the Cavs standing pat...until Mitchell signs or passes on an extension.
