The Cleveland Cavaliers, coming off of a impressive 64-18 record in the 2024-25 season, are navigating a complex offseason to maintain their championship-contending roster. The Cavs went into the second round of the playoffs but were halted again, after the series loss to the Indiana Pacers who are currently battling OKC for the NBA championship. The team is focused on retaining key free agents like Ty Jerome and Sam Merrill while managing luxury tax constraints. To achieve this, the team is exploring trades to shed salary, targeting players such as Isaac Okoro and Dean Wade, according to Cleveland.com’s Chris Fedor. This financial strategy aims to create room to re-sign their coveted reserves, which was vital for their Eastern Conference dominance this season.
Okoro, with $22.8 million remaining through 2026-27 and Wade, set to earn $6.6 million next season, are on the trade block as the Cavs aim to duck below the second luxury tax apron. Jerome, coming off a career-best 12.5 points and 43.9% three-point shooting, could command the full mid-level exception of $14.1 million which is a steep price for a team facing tax penalties. Merril, who was a sharpshooter for the Cavs, also has potential suitors which makes his retention urgent.
The Cavs’ reluctance to trade core stars including Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley, Jarred Allen, and Darius Garland, limits their options, though Garland has drawn some inquiries, but the Cavs hold firm on their asking price.
To bolster their roster, the Cavs have expressed some desire in acquiring Brooklyn Nets forward Cam Johnson, a versatile 3-and-D wing who averaged 18.8 points per game (career best) on near 50-40-90 shooting. Johnson’s salary, however, complicates the matter, with Brooklyn demanding two first-round picks or equivalent value. Cleveland’s pursuit of Johnson comes since they need a small forward to counter physical playoff teams, as their recent loss to the Indiana Pacers exposed their vulnerabilities. The Cavs also have other trade targets including Jonas Valanciunas who can address some of their frontcourt depth, especially if Tristan Thompson leaves.
The Cavs are stuck in a crossroads between adding good players and balancing financial flexibility. Trading either Wade or Okoro could free up cap space, but losing depth risks weakening their bench. With Mitchell and Mobley as untouchables, the Cavs need to make some changes this offseason because it was clearly not enough in the playoffs.
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