The injuries that will sideline Darius Garland and Evan Mobley well into the new year aren’t expected to significantly impact the Cavaliers‘ plans for this season, according to Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports, who says the franchise remains committed to its core of Garland, Mobley, Donovan Mitchell, and Jarrett Allen.
As Fischer writes, there has been “incessant chatter” among rival executives about the possibility of Mitchell leaving Cleveland in 2025, when he can opt out of his current contract, with speculation about his next destination focusing on the New York teams (the Knicks and Nets). However, those whispers haven’t affected the Cavaliers’ resolve to this point, Fischer explains.
In the event that the Cavs begin to struggle and slide down the standings without Garland and Mobley available, it’s possible the front office will have to reconsider its approach to the trade deadline. But Koby Altman and his group seem to have the “sturdy backing” of ownership, per Fischer, so the odds appear slim that a substantial change in direction will occur in the coming weeks.
Here’s more from Fischer on the Cavaliers:
- One move Cleveland might make on or before the February 8 deadline would involve Ricky Rubio, according to Fischer, who suggests the team would like to turn Rubio’s salary slot into a player who could contribute this season. The veteran point guard announced in August that he’d be pausing his career to focus on his mental health, and there has been no indication that the “pause” will end anytime soon, so he’d be a buyout candidate if he’s traded to a new team, Fischer adds.
- While the Cavs have no plans to trade him, Allen would receive “plenty” of interest from playoff contenders if he were ever made available. League sources tell Fischer that the Pelicans are one team that has long had its eye on Allen and would be interested if Cleveland is willing to listen to offers down the road.
- There was some noise early in the season about whether J.B. Bickerstaff‘s hold on his head coaching job might be slipping, but Fischer hears from sources that the Cavs don’t seem to be in any rush to make a change on the sidelines. Injuries to Garland and Mobley may actually reduce the pressure on Bickerstaff, Fischer points out, since expectations for the club will be tempered without those two young stars in the lineup.
They shouldn’t trade Mitchell this season, and, while Fischer may or may not realize it, his information pretty much confirms they won’t or at least have no intention of. But I guess that wouldn’t make much of an article.
I personally think Mitchell and Mobley are there two best players and if anything would be looking to move off Garland and/or Allen to try add a third big name star possibly.
I wonder if and when OG gets made available, if you could do a Garland for OG trade.
Toronto could definitely do with Garland at point guard moving forward he’d be a really nice fit with Gradey and Scottie. As for Cleveland OG would give them another really solid defender and fill up the SF position and you just promote another guard to start alongside Spida. You’d have an option of Rubio, LeVert and Strus. Pick 1 to start the other 2 coke off the bench togther with Okoro the back up SF.
Spida Strus OG Mobley Allen
Rubio LeVert Okoro Niang Thompson
Garland is so much better than you seem to think. Allen, I have no issue with moving as long as we get fair value. If you intend on trading OG for Garland, you better add multiple firsts.
I think in terms of talent Garland is probably better but in terms of fit and trying to build a winning roster, OG is better.
Just look at Brooklyn they have KD Kyrie and Harden and didn’t win the title. You could name team after team after team that’s loaded on paper that didn’t win it. You have to counter in fit and style of play and everything when building a team for a championship.
Pass the Lemon, pass the lime
Here comes Russ it’s 2k time
If they could get Jones, Murphy, and salary filler, they should trade Allen asap. He is small size c, with game of some heavy weight c. Can’t any full size c. Last year Robinson, who is average at best, molested him, costing Cavs any chances of winning that series. If Murphy develops as he sure have plenty of talent, they could move Mitchell for some star big. JoJo might be available if sixers flop again, same for AD
I am amazed at trades you think will happen. Garland is not getting traded this year. Mitchell is not going to have a Mobley and Garland in NY either. They still can make the 6 spot in the East. Rubio does need to be traded. Davion Mitchell would go great with a change of scenery.
Cavs will be better cause of this. Guys will play who need mins. They will be stronger come playoffs. I see Cavs as a team still rising. Young guys improving and team chemistry getting tighter.
They can afford to move Allen. But you have to get value back. That’s not going to happen this yr. Just need to get healthy.