Cavs are likely running it back.
The Cleveland Cavaliers had their dream season end in bitter disappointment. That reportedly won’t stop them from staying committed to the long-term vision of this core.
Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report says his sources expect the Cavs to “largely stand pat” in the offseason.
“The Cavs, I think from my understanding from talking to people in and around that organization, I think they are largely gonna stand pat this summer,” said Fischer.
This shouldn’t be a major surprise. The Cavs just won 64 games and have locked up most of their core. A team this successful that is already limited by the second apron will not have many avenues for meaningful improvement on the trade market. Finding a move that won’t feel lateral, at best, is the challenge.
Cleveland’s second round exit was an abrupt ending to an otherwise memorable season. Developmental leaps across the board made the Cavs feel like they had an actual chance at the title. Numerous injuries, poor execution and running into a red-hot opponent cut those dreams short.
Running it back might sound like complacency. This team hasn’t proven much of anything in the postseason despite three separate cracks at it. The lack of playoff progression is enough justification for exploring moves in the summer. But finding the right move will be difficult — and the argument for keeping this same group is just as strong.
Evan Mobley turns 24 next month. He’s become an All-NBA and Defensive Player of the Year cornerstone. If all goes right, the championship window is going to be open for years to come.
Already alongside Mobley are two All-Star running mates, Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland. The two guards flourished together offensively and showed they are better running the offense next to each other than apart. A fully healthy backcourt would have remedied some of Cleveland’s biggest issues in the playoffs this year.
Jarrett Allen and the supporting cast are more expendable. They’ll be in trade rumors all summer. But it’s important to remember this core delivered on huge regular season success. They weren’t a good or even great team. They were historically dominant. And while they’ll never get the benefit of the doubt again — they have shown enough to make the front office hesitant to rock the boat.