The Cleveland Cavaliers are in a spot they didn’t expect to be in - not after a 64-win season that had them looking like one of the East’s rising powers. But fast forward to now, and things are looking a lot murkier.
After a 126-124 loss to the Knicks on Christmas Day, the Cavs sit at 17-15 - a record that feels more middle-of-the-pack than contender. And with three more matchups against winning teams - the Rockets, Spurs, and Suns - before the calendar flips to 2026, the pressure is mounting.
This isn’t where Cleveland thought they’d be. The hope was that last year’s early playoff exit at the hands of the Pacers would serve as fuel, not foreshadowing.
Instead, a mix of injuries and inconsistent play has stalled their momentum. And with the league’s most expensive roster, the front office may be forced to consider some tough choices.
One name reportedly on the radar? Chicago Bulls guard Coby White.
White is in the final year of his deal, making $12.8 million, and the Bulls could be looking to move him before he hits free agency. On the surface, adding another guard to Cleveland’s already crowded backcourt might seem counterintuitive. But talent is talent - and in this case, it could also be a way to get out from under some heavy long-term salary commitments.
Here’s a proposed trade that’s been floated:
Cavaliers receive:
- Coby White
- Ayo Dosunmu
- Kevin Huerter
- 2026 Portland first-round pick (lottery-protected)
Bulls receive:
- Darius Garland
Let’s unpack it.
Breaking Up the Backcourt
The partnership between Darius Garland and Donovan Mitchell has been one of the more productive backcourt duos in the league over the past few seasons - at least in the regular season. But now that the wins aren’t coming as easily, and with Cleveland struggling to find consistent rhythm, the idea of splitting them up is starting to gain traction.
There’s no indication the Cavs are ready to blow things up midseason. That’s not how this front office operates, especially with key players like Garland, Jarrett Allen, and Evan Mobley all missing time due to injury. But if the team gets healthy and still can’t climb the standings, a move like this could be on the table.
And if Garland is the odd man out, bringing back a package centered around Coby White starts to make a little more sense.
Why It Could Work for Cleveland
Let’s be clear: Garland is the better player. He’s a more polished playmaker, a more efficient scorer, and he’s already built chemistry with this Cavs roster. But the gap between him and White isn’t a canyon - and when you factor in the financial side of things, the trade starts to look more appealing.
Garland is locked into a sizable deal over the next three seasons, with salaries of $39.4 million, $42.1 million, and $44.9 million. That’s a big number for a 6'1" guard who shares the floor with another ball-dominant, undersized scorer in Mitchell. In today’s NBA - especially under the new CBA rules - that kind of roster construction gets expensive fast.
White, Dosunmu, and Huerter are all on contracts that expire after the 2025-26 season. That gives Cleveland a bit of breathing room under the second apron and some flexibility to reshape the roster without being handcuffed by long-term deals.
And it’s not like the incoming players are just salary filler. Dosunmu brings energy and does the little things that help teams win - think hustle plays, on-ball defense, and smart decision-making. Huerter, when healthy, is a proven shooter who can help space the floor - something the Cavs have sorely needed with Max Strus battling injuries.
If Cleveland chooses to bring those three off the bench, it opens the door to a new-look starting five with Mitchell running point, flanked by wings like Jaylon Tyson and De’Andre Hunter. That lineup has more size, more switchability, and a better chance of holding up defensively in the postseason.
Why the Bulls Would Do It
From Chicago’s perspective, this is a chance to land an All-Star-caliber guard without giving up a premium asset. That Portland first-rounder is lottery-protected through 2028, and there’s a real chance it turns into a second-round pick. So this deal is more about retooling than mortgaging the future.
Pairing Garland with Josh Giddey in the backcourt gives the Bulls a more dynamic offensive look. Giddey’s 6'8" frame helps offset Garland’s defensive shortcomings, and Garland gets a chance to be the lead ballhandler again - something that could help boost his value down the line.
Chicago’s roster direction has been unclear at best, but moves like this suggest they’re still in the asset-accumulation phase. If Garland thrives in a bigger role, the Bulls could either build around him or flip him later for even more pieces.
The Bigger Picture
For Cleveland, this is about more than just swapping out one guard for another. It’s about recalibrating the roster around Mitchell, who remains the team’s centerpiece - at least for now.
It’s about creating financial flexibility while still staying competitive in the East. And it’s about acknowledging that what worked last year isn’t working this year.
No trade is without risk. Garland is a fan favorite and one of the league’s more underrated floor generals.
But the Cavs are at a crossroads, and standing pat may no longer be an option. If they want to keep Mitchell happy, stay under the luxury tax, and build a more balanced roster, this kind of move might be exactly what they need.
We’ll see if Cleveland decides to pull the trigger - or if they wait to see how the rest of the season unfolds. Either way, the clock is ticking.