Cavs among teams viewed as most likely to make move before trade deadline

For now, the Cavaliers appear to be set. Training camp is a little more than a month away, and while Cleveland still has to add a player, the roster will pretty much look the same as it does today.

But hey, this is the NBA, and it may not remain that way all season.

Just look at last year, when the Cavs president of basketball operations Koby Altman pulled off a deadline deal for De’Andre Hunter. No one saw that coming — and that’s sort of the Altman way. He has a history of sneaking in and making trades, avoiding the constantly churning rumor mill in the process. (Anyone remember how the Cavs got Donovan Mitchell, for instance?)

Well, according to ESPN’s Anthony Slater, the Cavaliers could again shake things up in 2025-26 if things don’t go as planned. And what’s planned is being a true blue championship contender.

More specifically, ESPN listed the Cavs in a third-place tie (with the Pelicans) under the heading “Which team is most likely to make a big move before the trade deadline?”

As you know, the Cavs started 15-0 last season, their first under coach Kenny Atkinson, before racing to a 64-18 finish. Then came another second-round exit. 

They would love a repeat of that regular season of dreams. But they want to finish the job this time. And yes, that perhaps makes them a franchise to watch before the February deadline.

“For the Cavaliers’ situation, disappointment and desperation can breed movement,” Slater wrote. “If they fear their high-value core four won’t get it done in the playoffs again, they may decide to flip one and change up the mix.”

Altman and GM Mike Gansey have already made some moves this offseason, sending Isaac Okoro to the Bulls for Lonzo Ball. The Cavs also brought back homegrown guy Larry Nance Jr.

As Slater noted, the core of Mitchell, Darius Garland, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen remains firmly in place. But yeah, if Cleveland looks as if it’s headed down the same path as last year, and the year before that, change very well could be on the way.

And again, before the postseason even arrives.

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For the record, ESPN listed the Warriors and Lakers, respectively, ahead of the Cavs/Pelicans as the teams most likely to make a move during the season.