The Cleveland Cavaliers are feeling the weight of expectations this season-and right now, they’re falling short. After riding high on a breakout campaign last year, the Cavs have stumbled out of the gate in 2025.
Injuries have played a role, sure, but the issues go deeper than that. The cohesion, the energy, the execution-it just hasn’t been there.
And when a talented team underperforms this deep into December, you can bet the trade winds will start to swirl.
One name that’s surfaced in those conversations? Coby White.
According to league chatter, multiple teams have reached out to the Bulls about White, and yes, the Cavaliers are reportedly among them. There’s some familiarity here-Cleveland and Chicago already linked up in the offseason for the Isaac Okoro-Lonzo Ball swap.
But that deal hasn’t panned out the way the Cavs hoped. Ball hasn’t established himself as a reliable backup behind Darius Garland, and that’s left Cleveland searching for answers in the backcourt.
Enter White, a dynamic scoring guard who’s shown he can heat up in a hurry and handle the ball when needed. He’s the kind of offensive spark plug that could thrive in Kenny Atkinson’s system, which values tempo, spacing, and quick decision-making. According to one Eastern Conference executive, a move for White might not just be about bolstering the bench-it could be a signal that the Cavs are considering a bigger shift down the line, possibly even rethinking Garland’s role in the long term.
That’s a big swing, and not an easy one to evaluate. Garland, despite the team’s struggles, has had some strong showings recently.
And stylistically, he and White aren’t all that different-both are scoring-first guards who can run an offense but aren’t traditional playmakers. If this move were to happen, it might be more about fit next to Donovan Mitchell than pure talent.
Mitchell’s presence changes the calculus, and the Cavs could be looking for a backcourt partner who complements him a little better.
Still, making a major move like this midseason-especially one involving a core piece like Garland-feels risky. The more likely route?
Cleveland could explore smaller-scale options, perhaps involving players like De’Andre Hunter or Dean Wade. The return might not be as flashy, but it could help address specific needs without shaking the foundation.
And let’s not forget: this team is still waiting on Evan Mobley. His absence has loomed large.
Mobley brings a two-way presence that’s hard to replicate-a versatile defender who can anchor the paint and a capable scorer who helps stretch the floor. His return won’t solve everything, but it could stabilize a roster that’s been searching for its identity.
The Cavs have some soul-searching to do. The trade deadline is creeping closer, and decisions are coming.
Whether it’s Coby White or someone else, the front office has to weigh the urgency of the now against the vision for the future. Because while last season set the bar high, this one is proving just how tough it is to stay there.