Evan Mobley may be the quiet name in a Cleveland Cavaliers offseason that has revolved around stars who aren’t even in the building.
The summer chatter started with LeBron James, who was the top target to return home before choosing the Philadelphia 76ers. Cleveland also wanted James Harden, and Harden’s decision to back out of a $42.3 million player option and enter free agency was meant to help the Cavs create the flexibility needed to bring him in on a favorable deal.
That move still hasn’t paid off. Donovan Mitchell is back on a four-year, $273 million contract, but that was always expected.
Through all of that noise, Mobley has mostly stayed out of the spotlight - and that may be exactly how he wanted it.
Last season, Mobley posted 18.2 points and 9.0 rebounds per game while shooting 54.6% from the field. He kept that level rolling in the playoffs, finishing with 17.0 points and 8.1 rebounds as Cleveland reached the Eastern Conference Finals. Even after the Cavs were knocked out by the New York Knicks, the sense around Mobley was that his game was still trending up.
This offseason has given him a chance to keep building without the daily swirl of headlines. He’s already getting himself ready in Cavaliers white and gold, away from the constant noise that followed the bigger names.
And there’s plenty for Cleveland to like. Alongside Mitchell and Jarrett Allen, Mobley’s ceiling looks ready to rise again. He’s already an elite defender who can handle all five positions, and offensively he brings real versatility - able to run the floor like a guard while still punishing teams inside.
As September’s training camp approaches, Mobley will also be looking to Mitchell and, if he re-signs, Harden for mentorship as he tries to grow into more of a leader. The next step is clear: improve his offensive production and sharpen the outside shot.
That part of his game has room to grow. Mobley is a career 30.9% three-point shooter, and last season he was down to 29.7%, the third-lowest mark of his career. He’s already effective around the elbow and near the rim, but a more reliable perimeter game would open up more options for him and create better spacing for the Cavs.
Defensively, he’s already one of the league’s best interior forces. If the outside shot and leadership both come along, Mobley could become the centerpiece in Cleveland.
In Other News...
Former Cavs Big Lands Intriguing New Role With Real Madrid
The Cavaliers have spent the summer reshaping the back end of the roster, bringing back Thomas Bryant and adding Mario Hezonja from Real Madrid while several other familiar names have moved on. Larry Nance Jr. landed with the Indiana Pacers on a one-year deal, Keon Ellis is headed to the Brooklyn Nets, and Dean Wade will continue his career with the Philadelphia 76ers, leaving Clevelands recent big-man churn feeling a little more connected to the league than usual.
Olivier Sarr is now part of that same web, too. After a brief stint with the Cavaliers, he has signed a two-year deal with Real Madrid, joining former Celtics player Max Shulga in the Spanish powerhouses latest roster move. For Cleveland fans, it is another reminder of how often the Cavs supporting cast winds up on the move, and how quickly a players next opportunity can come from an unexpected place. [Read more 🡒]
Cavaliers Suddenly Have A Real Chance To Steal Jonathan Kuminga
Jonathan Kuminga has become one of the more intriguing names in the market, and the Cavaliers have positioned themselves to stay in the conversation. While the Lakers have already put a sign-and-trade framework on the table, Cleveland has been working to create financial flexibility so it can make its own competitive pitch if the opportunity opens up. For a team looking to keep adding athleticism and upside, Kumingas availability has naturally caught attention.
The wrinkle is that this is shaping up as more than a simple talent chase. Kumingas current value, his fit in a new role, and the terms attached to any deal all matter here, and analysts have already warned against treating him like a player worth paying at any price. Clevelands interest gives this a real second lane, and the next move may hinge on which side is willing to make the stronger contract offer. [Read more 🡒]
Jonathan Kuminga Trade Chase Is Taking A Turn Warriors Fans Notice
The chase for Jonathan Kuminga has started to pull in more than one contender, and the Cavaliers are right in the middle of that widening picture. Cleveland has been reshaping its roster and cap outlook, a sign the front office is trying to keep enough flexibility on hand to chase a wing upgrade if the market comes together the right way.
The Lakers have already put a sign-and-trade framework on the table, reportedly around $45 million, with Jarred Vanderbilt and draft capital going to the Hawks in the proposed structure. For Cleveland, the interest matters because it keeps Kuminga in play as the kind of athletic forward the roster still needs, even if the path to getting him is still crowded and nothing has been finalized. [Read more 🡒]