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It’s that time of year, with the NBA season officially over and the real season about to begin. At least, that’s how some view it, especially when it comes to the Cavaliers.
In other words, it’s the offseason, and when it comes to setting yourself up for next year, it’s viewed as the most important season of all.
This week marks the two-day NBA Draft, with free agency slated to tip off at the beginning of next. The Cavs will be involved in both, to one degree or another.
Reports suggest they are exploring trades involving forward Dean Wade and wing Isaac Okoro as they aim to re-sign both Ty Jerome and Sam Merrill. For the record, sources have told Hoops Wire that the Cavs aren’t necessarily determined to trade anyone. But they have identified several areas of need (playable backup center, anyone?) and are seeing what’s out there.
That’s what is known as doing your job if you’re president of basketball operations Koby Altman and general manager Mike Gansey.
Along with potentially moving a player or two, the Cavs are viewed as a strong candidate to trade both of their second-round picks (Nos. 49 and 58). Again, they could keep them and get some more talent to develop in the G League, sources said. Or to perhaps find a diamond in the rough, a la Craig Porter Jr. — who wasn’t drafted at all.
One thing the Cavs don’t want to do is overhaul the roster. They’re reportedly open to moving a Darius Garland or Jarrett Allen, but it seems highly unlikely during the offseason.
Instead, they’re more apt to run it mostly back after a 64-18 finish in just one season under coach Kenny Atkinson. That’s especially the case given how wide open the Eastern Conference looks.
But the Cavaliers do realize they could use help around the margins, and finding some appears to be the offseason priority. As one source said, the Cavs’ roster will look at least a little different heading into next season. How different depends on what happens over the next several weeks.
More must-reads:
- Knicks remain interested in former top draft selection
- Could Warriors actually get LeBron James before he retires?
- The 'NBA Summer League MVPs' quiz
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Are Jazz finally ready to part ways with All-Star forward?
The Utah Jazz's rebuilding project feels like it’s accelerating, and moving Lauri Markkanen might be the next domino to fall. Guard Collin Sexton was traded to the Charlotte Hornets in late June, forward John Collins exercised his $26.5M player option and was subsequently flipped to the L.A. Clippers in a three‑team deal and guard Jordan Clarkson was cut. They also drafted Ace Bailey with the fifth overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, signaling they are pressing forward with youth and flexibility as cornerstones of their plan. Just one year ago, Utah eyed moving Markkanen, who was linked to the Golden State Warriors last summer, but ultimately decided to re-sign him to a five-year, $238M extension, making him essentially untradeable for the 2024-25 season. That deal set the stage for where things stand today: a large contract paired with declining production. His 2024-25 season was underwhelming by his standards. Across 47 games — he missed time due to both a shoulder injury and the team tanking — Markkanen averaged just 19.0 points, 5.9 rebounds and 1.5 assists on 42.3% shooting, including 34.6% from three-point range. Those numbers represent a drop from his previous production, and Utah missed the playoffs entirely with just 17 wins. Now that Utah is blowing up its roster, with veteran trades clearing room, the 2024 All-Star now looks like a misaligned asset. His salary will account for over $45M against the cap in 2025-26, giving the front office a stark choice: trade him now or risk being stuck when the contract outpaces performance. Maybe a responsive team would package young assets or a first-rounder for him, but only if Utah sweetens the deal, meaning it would need to take back bad salary or future picks. After all, the Jazz earlier accepted Kevin Love and Kyle Anderson, plus a second-round pick in the Collins deal, clearly prioritizing cap space and draft flexibility over retaining core pieces. By holding onto him last year, Utah effectively wasted a prime trade window. Now, with Bailey and other young wings pushing for minutes, Markkanen may become the odd man out in both minutes and long-term vision. If they wait too long again, Utah could face the same mistake they made with Collins — overpaying, then accepting minimal return. This time, shrugging might cost even more, since his contract is fully guaranteed and extends beyond a likely competitive window. For a franchise chasing youth and control, Markkanen may no longer fit. He’s not an All-Star floor spacer who demands defensive attention anymore — he’s a heavy contract that limits future maneuverability. And after Utah’s signal this offseason, it’s obvious they’re aiming for a clean slate rather than nostalgia. The answer should be clear: if the Jazz truly want flexibility to move up or revamp around new guard and wing prospects, it’s smarter to deal him now while he still holds some shine. Otherwise, he could turn into a cap anchor they can’t shake.
Yankees continue to enhance bullpen with Jake Bird acquisition
The New York Yankees have continued to fortify their bullpen, acquiring right-handed reliever Jake Bird from the Colorado Rockies, per YES Network's Jack Curry. This trade marks the second recent deal between the Yankees and Rockies, following New York’s July 25 trade for infielder Ryan McMahon. In return, Colorado receives a pair of New York's prospects, second baseman Roc Riggio (No. 10 in the Yankees' system) and left-handed pitcher Ben Shields (No. 28). Both players advanced through the Yankees’ system this season, rising from rookie ball to Double-A. Bird, 29, has posted a 4.73 ERA with 62 strikeouts in 53 1/3 innings this season. With team control through 2028, Bird represents a long-term asset for New York rather than a short-term rental. Unlike most power arms in the Yankees' bullpen, Bird relies on finesse. His repertoire centers around an 84 mph sweeper — his most used pitch, thrown 39.5% of the time — complemented by an 80.5 mph changeup and a 94.4 mph sinker. Bird will join a revamped bullpen that now includes David Bednar, acquired from the Pittsburgh Pirates less than an hour prior to the Bird transaction.
Mets finally fix hole in outfield in trade with Orioles
Center field has been a glaring weakness in the New York Mets lineup this season. That is no longer the case after Thursday's trade. Anthony DiComo from MLB.com reported that the Mets have acquired outfielder Cedric Mullins from the Orioles. In exchange, pitching prospects Raimon Gomez, Anthony Nunez and Chandler Marsh are heading to Baltimore. Mullins gives the Mets another dynamic presence in the lineup. He had posted a .229/.305/.433 batting line in 355 plate appearances for the Orioles, hitting 15 homers and 19 doubles while stealing 14 bases. Mullins' overall numbers were torpedoed by a dreadful two month slump in April and May where he had a .169/.204/.338 batting line in 158 plate appearances. The Orioles receive a trio of intriguing pitching prospects highlighted by Nunez. The Mets' 14th-ranked prospect at the time of the trade, Nunez spent two seasons in the San Diego Padres' system as an infielder before going to Division II University of Tampa. A two-way player in 2024, he signed with the Mets as an undrafted free agent and has rapidly ascended through their system. Nunez has a solid arsenal highlighted by a plus sweeper and changeup, helping his cutter and mid-90s fastball play up. His command is a work in progress but he may have a future as a late-inning weapon in the Orioles bullpen. Gomez, the Mets' 30th-ranked prospect, has the type of velocity that few pitchers can match. His 80-grade fastball regularly sits in the triple digits and has been clocked as high as 104.5 mph. His plus slider can make opposing hitters look foolish, especially if they are gearing up for the fastball. Gomez has question marks — his command is questionable at best and he is coming off of a Tommy John surgery in 2023. Nonetheless, his pure stuff is the type that teams dream about. Marsh was unranked in the Mets system and is another relief prospect with a fastball/slider profile. His fastball sits in the mid-90s and he has a solid slider, however, both play down due to a lack of control.
3 Instant Takeaways from the Phillies Trading for Harrison Bader
The Philadelphia Phillies made their second deal in 24 hours on Thursday. The Phillies acquired outfielder Harrison Bader from the Minnesota Twins, according to MLB.com's Todd Zolecki. In return, the Phillies are sending outfielder Hendry Mendez (their No. 12 prospect) and right-hander Geremy Villoria to Minnesota. The move comes one day after Philadelphia landed closer Jhoan Duran. It signals a clear all-in approach from the front office. At 61-47, the Phillies are a half game behind the New York Mets for the lead in the National League East, and they're already preparing for a stretch run with the goal of a deep October push. 1. Bader's Bat is Finally Back After three straight years of inconsistent offense, Bader is having a bounce-back season. Bader has already matched his career-high 12 home runs, is slugging .439 and owns a .399 on-base percentage. It's his best offensive output since 2021. The most promising stat? A 26.4% walk rate, the highest he's posted since the shortened 2020 season. 2. It's Always Defense in Philadelphia Bader's bat is a bonus, but his glove is better. The 2021 Gold Glove winner remains one of the game's best defensive center fielders. His speed, instincts, and ability to cover ground make him an ideal late-inning substitution option, especially in postseason games where defense is magnified. In Philadelphia, Bader adds right-handed balance to a left-heavy outfield that includes Brandon Marsh and Johan Rojas, while providing late-game insurance for Nick Castellanos in right. Bader offers a strong mix of platoon flexibility, defensive reliability, and postseason experience. 3. Phillies Upgrade Without Touching the Top of the Farm This was a smart deal from the Phillies' perspective. By parting with Mendez and Villoria, they improve their roster without moving a top-10 prospect. Mendez is a promising left-handed bat still in High-A, while Villoria is a developmental arm. Combined with the Duran trade, the Phillies have now addressed both the bullpen and outfield without dealing major-league contributors or elite prospects. It's a calculated push for the NL East crown and a roster better built for October.
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