The Cleveland Cavaliers' season ended Wednesday with a 113-98 loss to the Boston Celtics in Game 5 of their second-round series, but all eyes are now on the future.
With that in mind, The Athletic's Shams Charania, Joe Vardon and Jason Lloyd write about Darius Garland's agent, Klutch Sports, if Donovan Mitchell decides to stay in Cleveland long-term. reported that CEO Rich Paul will discuss a potential trade with the team's front office. Extension of term contract.
The report also notes that “rival executives believe the Cavaliers need to seriously evaluate the suitability of Mitchell and Garland and may ultimately have to choose between them.” ing.
Mitchell is under contract for just one more season, with a player option for the 2025-26 season.
There have been numerous trade rumors surrounding the five-time All-Star, and everything Cleveland does this offseason will revolve around the fate of their go-to option.
In theory, Garland is signed through the 2027-28 season, making him a long-term option for the Cavaliers. The front office believes they will build the team around him and Evan Mobley if Mitchell ends up being traded or going elsewhere, but if Mitchell returns, the equation changes. It will change.
There's something to be said for Mitchell's presence as a ball-dominant guard, which will impact Garland's overall development and ceiling. Perhaps he is better suited elsewhere where he can be the primary option and facilitator, especially since he is only 24 years old.
Still, they struggled without Mitchell in Wednesday's loss, making 4 of 17 from the field. If the Cavaliers were to have any chance of pulling off an upset win on the road without Mitchell, Caris LeVert and Jarrett Allen, they needed a better performance from their point guard.
But if Cleveland is going to compete with the Celtics and other top teams in the Eastern Conference next season and beyond, changes need to happen.
Trading Mitchell would be a reset of sorts. By keeping him and trading Garland, the front office could get a win-now piece in return and could move Cleveland a little closer to the top of the conference.
At the very least, the Cavaliers will be one of the teams to watch this offseason.
