The Cleveland Cavaliers finished atop the Eastern Conference in 2025 with a record of 64-18, which came as a bit of a surprise to most.
Skeptical fans were proven right in the postseason, as the Cavaliers fell to the Indiana Pacers in the second round. Superstar guard Donovan Mitchell was his usual self in the playoffs, averaging 29.6 points and 4.7 rebounds on 44.3% shooting. His efficiency was a bit of a letdown, but it’s obvious Mitchell wasn’t the problem.
Instead, blame can be spread to their trio of co-stars, Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen, who each underachieved in certain areas. Cleveland’s front office could be tempted to move one or multiple of these stars to shake up the roster around their 28-year-old cornerstone.
Cavaliers Predicted To Move On From Evan Mobley in Trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo
Giannis Antetokounmpo has been loyal to the Milwaukee Bucks for more than a decade. However, their inability to find success since hoisting the Larry O’Brien Trophy in 2021 could push Antetokounmpo to request a trade this offseason.
Bleacher Report predicts that the Cavaliers could break up the foundation of their roster in a blockbuster deal for Antetokounmpo.
“They shouldn’t make any rash decisions by breaking up a core that just won 64 games, but, and this is the second thing, the only player worth breaking up that core for is Giannis Antetokounmpo,” B/R’s Justes Baraheni said. “Donovan Mitchell and Giannis would be a perfect pairing, and the Cavs have the assortment of talent that could entice the Bucks, who don’t have their picks, to make a deal.
“Think of a trade centered around Jarrett Allen and Darius Garland for Giannis or even one centered around Evan Mobley for Giannis, but no one else, not even Kevin Durant, is worth breaking this thing up for,” Baraheni concluded.
It’s worth tearing apart essentially any rotation in the NBA to acquire Antetokounmpo because he’s a two-time MVP, NBA champion, and nine-time All-Star who is just 30 years old. There’s a good chance he can provide any organization with at least several more years of superstar-caliber play before slowing down due to his athleticism-based style of play.
On top of Bleacher Report proposing Antetokounmpo to the Cavaliers, The Ringer’s Bill Simmons also brought up the idea of Cleveland flipping Mobley for the Bucks superstar.
Evan Mobley for Giannis, straight up. Done deal?@BillSimmons @ryenarussillo pic.twitter.com/mmaI7k11Rd
— The Ringer (@ringer)
The Cavaliers front office and fan base should be hesitant to part with Mobley, who is the reigning Defensive Player of the Year and finally starting to find a groove on the offensive end.
However, if the Bucks are willing to accept a return highlighted by Garland and Allen, Cleveland’s front office should jump at the opportunity.
