The Cleveland Cavaliers spent the offseason trying to get closer to the NBA Finals, and one move already on the books was the deal for Peyton Watson.
Bleacher Report’s Joseph Rucker reported the framework of that swap this way: “Denver is trading Watson to the Cleveland Cavaliers and will receive Cleveland's 2031 first-round pick and a 2032 second-rounder from the Sacramento Kings. The Cavs are sending Max Strus to the Los Angeles Clippers, which gives them the flexibility to sign Watson to a four-year, $88 million contract. There were multiple other minor moves involved to complete the deal, including the Washington Wizards and Charlotte Hornets," Bleacher Report's Joseph Rucker wrote.
Cleveland’s push to keep building around its core has also been helped by Evan Mobley’s early-season growth. His improved shooting has changed the way the offense can function.
“If Mobley continues his ascension as a legitimate 3-point shooter, it will not only make him a better all-around player, but will open the floor for the rest of his teammates, for driving lanes and for more open shots,” SI’s Josh Poloha wrote.
That kind of spacing matters for players like James Harden and Donovan Mitchell, and Bleacher Report’s Dan Favale thinks the Cavaliers should keep adding to that mix. His name to watch is Julien Champagnie, a high-motor wing who could fit in a number of ways.
“They are hard-capped at the first apron, from which they sit just 45,000. Theirlargestmatchingsalaryoutsidethestartingfiveisthesub-10 million Sam Merrill.
After him, it's Jaylon Tyson…who's on the books for under $3.7 million. Justin Champagnie, Jabari Walker and GG Jackson II are each cheap enough for the Cavs to dream about.
All of them can log minutes as a backup 4. Champagnie can sponge up reps as the 2 or 3 as well,” Favale wrote.
Champagnie is also seen as the kind of glue player who can help a locker room and give Cleveland another versatile piece. The Cavaliers could use him in multiple spots, which is exactly the sort of flexibility contenders tend to chase.
In Other News...
Cavs Could Face A Lineup Twist Against Short-Handed Thunder
The Cavaliers may be looking at a slightly different rotation when they meet the short-handed Thunder, and the ripple effect starts on the wing. Oklahoma City will again be without Alex Caruso, who has been ruled out for a second straight game after suffering an ankle sprain against the Suns, leaving one fewer defensive piece in the matchup.
Cleveland has its own lineup question to sort through, with Peyton Watson listed as questionable because of right hamstring soreness. If he cannot go, the Cavs could be forced into a different look on the perimeter, and Mario Hezonja would be in line for a possible first start in a Cleveland uniform. [Read more 🡒]
Darius Garland Is Making The Cavaliers Trade Look Better Again
Early in the 2026-27 season, the Cavaliers decision to move Darius Garland for James Harden is looking better by the week. Garland has struggled to find his footing with the Clippers, and the fit has not been nearly as smooth as Los Angeles hoped when it made the deal. Cleveland, meanwhile, has gotten a steadier version of Harden, who has settled into his role alongside Donovan Mitchell and helped the offense hum in a way that makes the swap look favorable from this side of the ledger.
Garlands rough start has only sharpened the contrast. The Clippers have had trouble keeping things together when he is on the floor, and the ball security issues have been hard to ignore as his new team tries to build around him. For the Cavaliers, the early returns are encouraging enough to keep the trade looking like a win, even if the full verdict still has plenty of season left to be written. [Read more 🡒]
Cavs Title Push Still Carries The Weight Of One Costly Miss
When Cleveland pushed to add Caris LeVert in February 2022, the move was meant to give the roster another scoring option and a little more playoff punch. LeVert gave the Cavaliers four seasons of steady production, averaging 12.5 points in the regular season and 11.6 in the playoffs, and for a while the deal looked like the kind of calculated swing contenders make when they believe they are close.
The part that still lingers is what went out the door to get him, because the cost has only grown more painful in hindsight as Indiana has gotten real value from the draft capital it received. Even with a strong current group featuring James Harden, Donovan Mitchell, Peyton Watson, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen, and a 4-2 start this season, the old LeVert trade remains one of those front-office decisions that keeps hanging around the edges of Clevelands title push. [Read more 🡒]