The Cleveland Cavaliers need to make another move if they want to become a true title contender in the 2026-27 season.
The Cleveland Cavaliers reached the Eastern Conference Finals in the 2025-26 season but were swept by the New York Knicks.
After an eventful offseason, the East has only gotten tougher with the Miami Heat acquiring Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Philadelphia 76ers adding LeBron James and Jaylen Brown, and the Toronto Raptors trading for Kawhi Leonard.
The competitive teams in the East don't stop there, with the Detroit Pistons, Indiana Pacers, Boston Celtics, Orlando Magic, and Atlanta Hawks potentially making it into the postseason.
While the Cavs have a talented core of Donovan Mitchell, James Harden, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen in place, it will be difficult to get back to the Conference Finals.
These four All-Stars will look to develop more chemistry and become a cohesive unit in their first full season together. Mitchell, Mobley, and Allen have played together over the last few years, but Harden was a trade deadline acquisition.
Harden was a great piece for their offense in 26 games, averaging 20.5 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 7.7 assists per game, shooting 46.6 percent from the floor and 43.5 percent from deep.
With a full training camp and offseason, Harden should be more familiar with his teammates and elevate the offense more next season.
IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters ConnectCleveland made a major acquisition by adding forward Peyton Watson in a sign-and-trade this offseason. Watson will be the fifth starter for the Cavs and will come in as a 3&D forward who also adds athleticism.
In the 2025-26 season, he had a breakout year, averaging 14.6 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.1 blocks per game, shooting an efficient 49.1 percent from the field and 41.1 percent from three.
While Watson fits the roster and is a solid addition, the Cavs will need to make another move or two to stand out as contenders for an NBA title.
If Cleveland can add another rotational piece or two at the deadline, it would solidify their place as one of the best teams in the NBA as they look to reach the NBA Finals for the first time since LeBron James suited up with the franchise.
Their bench has some solid pieces, but if they can add a productive backup big man and another 3&D wing, it will help the Cavs be a true threat to win an NBA title.
