Nearly two years ago, the Cavaliers gambled their future on a luxurious mansion with a sparkling pool.
Since then, interest in swimming in Cleveland has been nonexistent, leading to the poolkeeper losing his job.
The Cavaliers’ costly acquisition of Donovan Mitchell from the Jazz in September 2022 hasn’t yet been deemed a disaster. The pool still accommodates most floaties, but what initially seemed like a significant impact is now resembling a disappointing dive turned bellyflop.
With a promising frontcourt, the Cavaliers aimed to accelerate their trajectory by adding a superstar guard to complement Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley. Their strategy appeared validated when the team, which hadn’t seen postseason action since LeBron James’ departure, won 51 games in 2023 and secured a playoff series victory last April.
While these achievements are commendable, their second-round playoff exit in May exposed the Cavaliers’ current limitations. Simply put, the Mitchell-led squad wasn’t competitive against teams like Boston, highlighting the need for further upgrades to compete at a higher level.
And here lies the issue. Cleveland’s biggest move in the 2023 offseason was acquiring Max Strus through a trade. Thus far this offseason, changes in coaching and Donovan Mitchell’s contract extension appear superficial, akin to just skimming the surface.
Their pool isn’t exactly attracting star players.
In contrast, teams like the 76ers and Knicks have made significant strides towards competing at the Celtics’ level next season. Cleveland, on the other hand, seems like a team that other contenders might prefer to face in the first round of the playoffs—not quite at the level of LeBron-era dominance.
It’s also notable that the Cavaliers actually won fewer regular-season games last year (48) compared to the year before (51). Therefore, scraping through a seven-game playoff series against the Orlando Magic raises questions about whether their trajectory is still on the rise.
The Utah Jazz emerged victorious in the Donovan Mitchell trade, as reported by Deadspin. Nearly two years ago, the Cavaliers made a substantial investment in a luxurious mansion with a pool.
However, interest in swimming in Cleveland has been minimal, leading to the poolkeeper losing their job. The acquisition of Donovan Mitchell from the Jazz in September 2022 hasn’t been a disaster for the Cavaliers yet, with the pool still accommodating most floaties. Initially seen as a big splash, the Mitchell era is now likened to a disappointing dive turned bellyflop.
Despite a promising frontcourt, the Cavaliers aimed to propel their 44-win team in 2022 into Eastern Conference contention by adding a superstar guard to complement Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley, a strategy that seemed validated when they won 51 games in 2023 and secured a playoff series victory last April.
However, their second-round playoff loss in May underscored the Cavaliers’ current status, falling short against teams like Boston, emphasizing the need for further upgrades.
In the 2023 offseason, Cleveland’s best move was acquiring Max Strus in a trade, while this offseason, changes in coaching and Mitchell’s contract extension seem more like surface adjustments.
Comparatively, teams like the 76ers and Knicks have made significant strides towards competing near the Celtics’ level, while Cleveland appears more like a favorable first-round playoff opponent rather than reaching LeBron-era dominance.
Furthermore, the Cavaliers won fewer regular-season games last year (48) than the previous year (51), raising questions about their upward trajectory despite surviving a seven-game playoff series against the Orlando Magic.
Mitchell’s contract extension ensures his presence for at least three more years, yet it also limits the Cavaliers in pursuing top talent, relying on trades or mid-level exceptions for roster improvements.
With the draft no longer an option and current acquisitions lacking depth, Cleveland may turn to the NBA’s transfer portal for role-player acquisitions, though Mitchell’s influence might not sway top players to take pay cuts, compounded by Cleveland’s less glamorous appeal compared to cities like Miami.
Kenny Atkinson faces significant expectations, with the Bucks, Pacers, Heat, and Magic all believing they’re positioned ahead of the Cavaliers in the race to the 2025 Eastern Conference Final Four. If even one of these teams proves correct and Cleveland exits in the first round of the playoffs without home-court advantage, the Cavaliers will find themselves in a precarious position.
Meanwhile, Danny Ainge is enjoying his time in Utah, having not only acquired Lauri Markkanen in the Mitchell trade but also secured first-round picks in 2025, 2027, and 2029, along with the ability to swap first-round spots in intervening years.
With six top-32 picks from the last two drafts, their own future first-round picks, plus potential additional first-rounders from the Timberwolves and likely the Lakers, the Jazz are potentially set up for a promising future.
If the Jazz succeed, it will be to the detriment of the Cavaliers.
Utah clearly emerged as the winner in the Mitchell trade.
Regardless of Cooper Flagg’s desire to play in Boston, if he ends up drafted by the Jazz next June, he’ll be committing to Salt Lake City.
On the other hand, if the Cavaliers aim to acquire stars like Giannis Antetokounmpo or Stephen Curry at the trade deadline, Donovan Mitchell promoting Hunting Valley brochures at the All-Star Game would prove futile.
