The Cleveland Cavaliers’ rollercoaster 2024–25 season came to a bitter end with a second-round playoff exit at the hands of the Indiana Pacers. As the dust settles from the 114–105 Game 5 loss, attention has swiftly turned to the future of the franchise—and the difficult financial decisions looming over its two young stars: Darius Garland and Jarrett Allen.
Garland’s Fit Under the Microscope
Once viewed as a centerpiece of the Cavs’ future, Darius Garland now finds himself at the center of swirling trade rumors. Garland, 24, saw a noticeable drop in production this season, averaging 18 points and 6.5 assists per game—down from his All-Star level stats in 2022–23. His postseason performance did little to silence critics, with his shooting inconsistency and defensive lapses drawing particular scrutiny.
With Donovan Mitchell emerging as the Cavs’ clear offensive leader, concerns have mounted about the backcourt pairing’s compatibility. Mitchell’s ball-dominant style has arguably pushed Garland into a less impactful role, raising questions about whether the Cavs need to choose between the two.
Garland, for his part, has denied any desire to leave. “I don’t want to be traded. Those are just rumors,” he said after the Game 5 loss. But league insiders suggest that his hefty contract—set to cost the Cavs $36.7 million next season—is a major factor in internal discussions.
Jarrett Allen Also in the Crosshairs
Center Jarrett Allen, who missed key playoff games due to injury, is also facing an uncertain future. Though Allen posted solid averages of 16.5 points and 10.5 rebounds during the regular season, the Cavaliers’ frontcourt pairing of Allen and Evan Mobley has drawn criticism for lacking offensive versatility.
Multiple teams, including the Pelicans and Rockets, reportedly expressed interest in Allen before the trade deadline, only to be rebuffed by Cleveland. That could change this summer. With Mobley viewed as the long-term defensive anchor, the Cavs may feel more urgency to cash in on Allen—especially if it means avoiding a luxury tax bill.
The $34 Million Question
The Cavaliers are staring down the barrel of a financial crunch. Between Mitchell, Garland, Allen, and Mobley (soon to be eligible for an extension), the team’s salary commitments are ballooning. If no trades are made, Cleveland could exceed the NBA’s luxury tax threshold by over $34 million—an amount that would trigger steep penalties and restrict future roster flexibility.
Team president Koby Altman and the front office must now navigate a delicate balancing act: remain competitive in the East while avoiding long-term financial strain. Garland and Allen are the most logical trade candidates to shed salary, but both are still young, talented, and under contract—making this a high-stakes puzzle with no easy solutions.
A Crucial Offseason Awaits
This summer could define the next era of Cavaliers basketball. With head coach J.B. Bickerstaff already dismissed and a roster in flux, fans and executives alike are waiting to see if Garland or Allen will be sacrificed in pursuit of cap relief—and whether Mitchell, entering the final year of his deal, will commit to the team long-term.
One thing is clear: in Cleveland, the offseason drama is just beginning.
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