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Feb 20, 2025; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guards Darius Garland (10) and Donovan Mitchell (45) react during the second half against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images

'Change Up The Mix' – Cleveland Cavaliers Predicted to Make a Move Before Trade Deadline

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Reign Amurao | Last updated Aug 26, 2025 2:23 PM ET

The Cleveland Cavaliers took the NBA by storm with how consistently good they were against most of their opponents. They secured the second-best franchise record, winning 64 games and secured the No. 1 seed in the conference. The only team better than them was the 2008-09 roster, led by LeBron James. That team won 66 games and was atop the Eastern Conference standings.

Unfortunately for the Cavaliers, they fell short in the playoffs. In the first round, they cruised against the Miami Heat, sweeping them in just four games. But the unexpected happened in the second round. They faced the Indiana Pacers, a team that was fresh off a series win against the Milwaukee Bucks in the opening round.

They also dealt with injuries, which did not help their case. They lost to the Pacers in five games and were labeled as a “disappointment.” They finished strong in the regular season and had championship expectations.

Heading into the 2025-26 season, ESPN’s Anthony Slater predicted that Cleveland could make a roster change ahead of the NBA trade deadline. That is, if the front office feels like a repeat of their previous playoff run would happen.

“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.”

It all relies on how well the core of Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen will perform.

The Cleveland Cavaliers could pursue Malik Beasley

Mar 7, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) reacts after scoring to end the second quarter against the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Kinser-Imagn Images

The Cleveland Cavaliers have been mentioned as one of the teams that could pursue free agent Malik Beasley. The shooter was supposed to sign a deal that’s worth at least $16 million this summer. However, his involvement in a federal investigation dropped his value. According to reports, Beasley could make close to $2 million next season.

NBA insider Michael Scotto reported on X that the Cavaliers and the New York Knicks could sign the free agent to a new deal.

“The Knicks and Cavaliers have checked in on Malik Beasley, sources told @hoopshype. Knicks executive Gersson Rosas signed Beasley to a four-year, $60M deal with the Timberwolves. Knicks and Cavs have minimum deals to offer. Beasley is no longer a target of a federal investigation,” Scotto reported.

Last season, he was with the Detroit Pistons. Beasley appeared in 82 games, averaging 16.3 points and 2.6 rebounds on 41.6% from deep. He also finished second in the Sixth Man of the Year voting.

His shooting and experience could be a significant addition to the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Mar 7, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) walks off after defeating the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Kinser-Imagn Images

This article first appeared on Hardwood Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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