The Cleveland Cavaliers could make a massive trade this summer.
The Cleveland Cavaliers have been predicted to make a blockbuster trade this offseason.
Dan Favale of Bleacher Report predicts that the Cavaliers "will trade at least one All-Star" this offseason.
Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen are under contract for next season, while James Harden is expected to decline his player option and become an unrestricted free agent this summer.
As of this writing, the Cavaliers are tied 2-2 with the Detroit Pistons in the Eastern Conference Semifinals. Cleveland hasn't reached the conference finals since 2018.
"Writing the Cleveland Cavaliers' obituary is premature," Favale wrote. "They remain alive against the Detroit Pistons, and their offseason approach hinges largely on how the season ends. Even so, short of making it to the Finals or winning the title, the Cavs are barreling toward major change. And let's be real: Have you seen enough from this core to believe it can beat the Knicks, let alone the Thunder, Spurs or Minnesota Timberwolves? After finishing this season as the only second-apron squad, Cleveland projects to enter it again next year. The roster-building restrictions alone are daunting enough to tempt cost-cutting even after winning a title.
"Throw in the prospect of coming up short alongside James Harden's free agency (player option), Donovan Mitchell's extension eligibility and constantly shifting perception of Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley, and it'll be a genuine surprise if all four of the team's stars are back for 2026-27. The question of who gets traded depends on the Cavs' intentions. If Mitchell wants to stick around, using Mobley to chase a more proven name (like Giannis Antetokounmpo) takes center stage. But if the former is getting antsy, Cleveland is more likely to move on from him, Harden and even Allen and attempt to reorient around Mobley. Bonus Prediction: If the Cavs get eliminated before Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals, one of Mitchell or Mobley will get traded."
According to The Athletic's Fred Katz, the Cavaliers are prepared to explore trade scenarios for Mitchell this offseason should the All-Star guard decline a contract extension. Under his current contract, Mitchell can hit free agency in 2027.
If the Cavaliers lose to the Pistons, Mitchell, Mobley or Allen could be on a new team next season and Harden may not re-sign with the Wine and Gold.
With all of this being said, Cleveland is under immense pressure to defeat Detroit.
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