As the Cleveland Cavaliers enter a pivotal offseason following another disappointing playoff run, a new report suggests a dramatic shift in the team’s internal strategy. According to multiple league sources, the Cavaliers are now “more willing to entertain” trade possibilities for two of their foundational players: center Jarrett Allen and point guard Darius Garland. This represents a notable departure from past offseasons, when both were considered essential to the franchise’s long-term core alongside Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley.
A Changing Landscape in Cleveland
Since the blockbuster trade for Donovan Mitchell in 2022, the Cavaliers have attempted to build a contender around a unique blend of backcourt firepower and frontcourt rim protection. With Mitchell and Garland forming a dynamic, albeit undersized, guard duo and Allen and Mobley anchoring the paint defensively, the Cavs envisioned a deep playoff run.
But after three consecutive early exits from the postseason including a second-round defeat this past spring the front office appears to be recalibrating.
“They’re not in a position where they’re shopping Garland or Allen actively,” one executive told ESPN, “*but there’s definitely a change in tone. It used to be a flat ‘no’ when you called about those two. Now it’s, ‘What are you offering?’”
The Cavaliers are expected to prioritize roster balance and improved spacing, which could make either Garland or Allen perhaps both expendable in the right deal.
Why Garland and Allen May Be on the Block
1. Darius Garland: A Star in the Shadow of Another
Garland, a 2019 lottery pick and 2022 All-Star, is undeniably talented. But his fit next to Donovan Mitchell has been questioned almost from the start. While both are explosive scorers, their overlapping skill sets have created redundancy in Cleveland’s offensive system.
Mitchell, a more dominant shot-creator and iso scorer, often assumes the lead ball-handling role. That leaves Garland as more of an off-ball facilitator an uncomfortable adjustment for a player whose strengths lie in pick-and-roll playmaking and probing defenses with the ball in his hands.
During the 2024–25 season, Garland averaged 18.3 points and 6.5 assists per game down from his peak in 2022 while shooting 44.2% from the field and 37.8% from three. While still effective, he appeared increasingly miscast in a secondary role.
If the Cavaliers believe Mitchell is their alpha, Garland becomes a prime candidate to be moved in exchange for a wing with size, shooting, and defensive versatility something the current roster sorely lacks.
2. Jarrett Allen: The Odd Man Out in the Frontcourt
Jarrett Allen has been a rock for Cleveland’s defense. A strong rim protector and elite rebounder, Allen helped transform the Cavs into one of the NBA’s better defensive units when healthy. But he too may be a casualty of fit and function.
Evan Mobley, the 7-foot phenom who many believe has All-NBA potential, has struggled to fully expand his offensive game while sharing the paint with Allen. The pairing has sometimes cramped spacing, limiting both players’ ability to operate effectively.
With Mobley now eligible for a rookie extension, Cleveland may prioritize putting him in a role that better unlocks his offensive upside namely, as the lone big in small-ball lineups or paired with a stretch five.
Trading Allen would serve two purposes: clear the lane for Mobley’s development, and potentially return a player who fits more naturally alongside the team’s core.
The Donovan Mitchell Factor
Perhaps the most important variable in this entire conversation is Donovan Mitchell’s future in Cleveland.
Mitchell has one year remaining on his contract before a player option in 2026. Though he’s publicly praised the organization and the fanbase, league insiders believe his long-term commitment is far from certain.
There have been rumors albeit unconfirmed that the Cavaliers are exploring ways to both retain Mitchell and reconfigure the roster to make it more competitive. Moving Garland and/or Allen for a stronger supporting cast may be their best chance to convince Mitchell to re-sign.
“If they don’t make a big move this summer, they risk losing Mitchell for nothing in a year,” an Eastern Conference scout said. “Cleveland knows that. That’s why everyone is listening now even on their core guys.”
Possible Trade Destinations
If Cleveland is indeed open to dealing Garland or Allen, several teams are expected to express interest.
Potential Landing Spots for Garland:
- San Antonio Spurs: Pairing Garland with Victor Wembanyama could create a lethal pick-and-roll combo. The Spurs also have young assets and draft capital to offer.
- Orlando Magic: In desperate need of a floor general, Orlando could build a package around one of their young forwards like Franz Wagner or Jett Howard.
- Toronto Raptors: Toronto has been rebuilding around Scottie Barnes and may look for a high-level playmaker to accelerate their development timeline.
Potential Landing Spots for Allen:
- New Orleans Pelicans: With Jonas Valančiūnas likely departing, Allen could be a defensive anchor in a lineup alongside Zion Williamson.
- Oklahoma City Thunder: OKC has been seeking frontcourt size to complement Chet Holmgren. Allen could provide rebounding and rim protection without demanding touches.
- Dallas Mavericks: The Mavs need an athletic rim-runner to partner with Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving. Allen fits that mold perfectly.
The Front Office Perspective
President of Basketball Operations Koby Altman has not publicly commented on the trade speculation, but sources suggest the front office is already fielding exploratory calls.
“They want to be proactive, not reactive,” one league executive noted. “They’re not blowing it up, but they’re acknowledging that something has to change.”
Cleveland owns all its first-round picks and has a deep war chest of mid-tier contracts and young players like Isaac Okoro and Caris LeVert that could be used to match salary or sweeten a deal.
With a robust market for both Garland and Allen, Altman may find multiple opportunities to reshape the roster while maintaining a competitive core around Mitchell and Mobley.
Fans React: Uncertainty Meets Optimism
Cavaliers fans have been divided on the report. While some are excited by the potential for bold change, others worry about breaking up a homegrown core that led Cleveland out of the post-LeBron rebuild.
On social media, the reactions have ranged from calls for Garland to be traded for a true 3-and-D wing, to passionate defenses of Allen’s impact on the team’s culture and identity.
“I don’t want to see DG go,” one fan posted on Reddit. “But I get it. We’re not winning as currently built.”
Another fan added: “Allen and Mobley are both good, but it’s clear they can’t coexist in today’s NBA spacing. Time for hard decisions.”
Conclusion: A Defining Summer Ahead
As the NBA offseason heats up, all eyes will be on the Cleveland Cavaliers. For a franchise that has struggled to find consistent identity since LeBron James’ final departure, this summer represents a potential turning point.
Will they finally make the tough decisions required to build a modern contender? Or will they gamble on one more year of internal development and continuity?
If recent reports are any indication, the Cavaliers appear ready to pivot. Whether that means trading Jarrett Allen, Darius Garland, or both, one thing is clear: the once untouchable core in Cleveland is now firmly on the table.
And in today’s NBA, standing still often means falling behind.
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