Cleveland Cavaliers: 3 Biggest Potential Offseason Acquisitions

The Cleveland Cavaliers failed to reach the Eastern Conference Finals for the second year in a row under Donovan Mitchell.

The lack of postseason success has led some to believe that roster changes are needed to contend for the title. Cleveland just fired head coach J.B. Bickerstaff, so management clearly isn’t afraid to mix things up.

There are rumors about Mitchell’s future in Cleveland. Additionally, Darius Garland will reportedly request a trade if Mitchell is extended, so is it possible that the backcourt tandem has played their last game together?

If Cleveland’s front office decides to move on from one of its star guards and start over, here are three potential offseason acquisitions.

Tyler Herro

The former Sixth Man of the Year could be acquired in exchange for either guard, but the details surrounding him could change drastically. If Mitchell is traded, the Miami Heat will include one of their rising talents, Jaime Jaquez Jr. or Nikola Jović. If Garland is traded, he could be acquired for Herro and two first-round picks.

For both teams, a trade involving Mitchell makes much more sense.

The Heat would add a much-needed scoring option alongside Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo, as Mitchell averaged 26.6 points on 46.2% shooting last season. Not to mention the strong impact he can provide in the postseason.

Meanwhile, the Cavaliers take a step back in the short term, but could potentially reap benefits in the long term. Mitchell’s departure relieves the pressure on Garland and Evan Mobley to develop immediately, giving them the time needed to reach their full potential (which Herro also needs). The 24-year-old Heat defenseman averaged 20.8 points on 44.1% shooting in 42 appearances last season. Jaquez and Jovic will also add another element of firepower to their rotation and will have plenty of time to develop further.

Bruce Brown

If bringing in a new defenseman is a priority for the Cavaliers, Brown reuniting with his former teammate Jarrett Allen would be a likely addition. Brown spent the second half of last season with the Toronto Raptors, where he averaged 9.6 points and 3.8 rebounds on 48.1% shooting.

There is no guarantee that Brown will hit the open market as he has a team option worth $23 million for the 2024-25 season. There are rumors that the Raptors could exercise Brown’s option and trade him this offseason. Brown has proven his worth as a member of the champion Denver Nuggets in 2023, so his down year shouldn’t deter the Cavaliers.

If Toronto allows Brown to leave, Cleveland’s front office could use its mid-level exception on Brown in hopes he returns to form in Denver.

KyshawnGeorge

The Cavaliers have the 20th overall pick in June’s NBA Draft, which would allow them to select Kyshawn George. The freshman from Miami can stretch the floor to a height of 6’4, which should tempt scouts and Cavs management given their average three-point shooting percentage.

In 31 games, he averaged 7.6 points and 3 rebounds, shooting 42.6% from the field and 40.8% from beyond the arc. George comes in lower in most mock drafts, but his fit with the team could be worth the effort.