The Cleveland Cavaliers are under more pressure than any other NBA team going into the 2025–26 campaign. The core group of Evan Mobley, Jarrett Allen, Donovan Mitchell, and Darius Garland has produced impressive regular-season results, but their lack of playoff success has many wondering if they can really deliver when it counts most.
This year, simply making the postseason won’t be enough. True playoff success — at least a deep run, if not a trip to the Finals — will be the measuring stick, and anything short could force the front office into uncomfortable decisions about the team’s direction.
Writing for ESPN, Anthony Slater suggested that Cleveland could be one of the league’s more intriguing trade-deadline teams:
“For the Cavaliers’ situation, disappointment and desperation can breed movement. 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.”
The pressure of expectations
From opening night onward, every Cavs performance will be dissected by fans and analysts alike. While Mitchell’s long-term commitment (after his recent extension) has quieted some speculation, questions remain about fit — particularly between Garland and Mitchell in the backcourt, and how Allen and Mobley coexist in a frontcourt that has sometimes lacked spacing against elite playoff defenses.
If Cleveland stumbles out of the gate or enters midseason looking like a fringe contender rather than a true powerhouse, calls for change will grow louder.
Who might be on the block?
All of the Cavaliers’ options carry a high risk:
Darius Garland: Despite being one of the NBA’s top young point guards at 25, there has long been discussion about how well he fits with Mitchell.
Jarrett Allen: Although he has excellent rim protection and rebounding skills, his combination with Mobley has caused spacing issues. League-wide interest in Allen remains strong, particularly from teams seeking a defensive anchor.
Surprise moves: While less likely, the Cavs could explore something even bigger — perhaps shaking up the roster in a way that signals a new era around Mitchell and Mobley.
The stakes
Cleveland’s front office has to tread carefully. A misstep at the deadline could set the franchise back years, especially with Mitchell locked in and Mobley developing into one of the most versatile bigs in the league. Yet standing pat if things aren’t working risks wasting another season of their prime talent.
For now, fans are trying to temper expectations, focusing on each game as it comes. But everyone knows the reality: if this group doesn’t show signs of being a championship-caliber team by midseason, speculation about trades will dominate headlines in Cleveland.
The Cavs aren’t just playing for wins in 2025-26 — they’re playing for the future identity of the franchise.
