The Cleveland Cavaliers came into this season with the weight of big expectations-and for good reason. After a 64-win campaign that ended in a frustrating second-round exit at the hands of the Indiana Pacers, there was every reason to believe this squad would come back with something to prove. But 45 games in, the Cavs are sitting at 25-20, and the team that once looked like a rising Eastern Conference powerhouse now feels stuck in neutral.
And when a team with this much talent underperforms, the whispers start. According to league chatter, if the Cavs decide to shake things up, Darius Garland could be the first domino to fall.
“There are growing doubts about what this core looks like around the league,” said NBA insider Brett Siegel on the Clutch Scoops show. “And I think it goes right to the top with Darius Garland.
I think that in the offseason there is going to be a ton of chatter about him possibly being on the move. And if the Cavs are to break up this core, he would be the first player that they look to move.”
That’s a big statement, but it reflects the reality of a team that hasn’t lived up to its billing. Cleveland’s offense, once the best in the league, has dropped to 10th in offensive rating.
And the defense, which was supposed to be the backbone of this roster, has been middling-15th in points allowed per 100 possessions. That’s not going to cut it, especially in a top-heavy Eastern Conference where the margin for error is razor-thin.
Injuries haven’t helped. Darius Garland’s toe issues have lingered, keeping him off the floor and out of rhythm.
Max Strus, a key offseason acquisition expected to provide shooting and spacing, hasn’t logged a single minute this season. Jarrett Allen has been in and out of the lineup.
And Evan Mobley-who many expected to take a star-level leap this year-hasn’t quite made that next step.
When a team with the NBA’s most expensive roster isn’t performing like a contender, it forces a hard look in the mirror. The Cavs have talent.
They have depth. But they don’t have cohesion right now, and that’s what’s keeping them from being more than just a good team.
So the question becomes: do they stay the course and hope time and health bring things together? Or do they make a bold move and reconfigure the core?
Garland, despite his talent and All-Star pedigree, might be the most logical trade piece. He’s young, skilled, and still holds significant value around the league.
But moving a player of his caliber isn’t just about cap space or fit-it’s about direction. If Cleveland decides to move on from Garland, it would signal a major shift in how they see their future.
There’s still time to right the ship. But with expectations high and results underwhelming, the Cavs are approaching a crossroads. Whether they choose to ride it out or hit the reset button, something’s got to give.