The Cleveland Cavaliers failed to reach the Eastern Conference Finals for the second-straight year with guard Donovan Mitchell at the helm.
The lack of postseason success has led some to believe that a roster shakeup is needed to contend for a title. Cleveland just fired head coach J.B. Bickerstaff, so the front office clearly isn't afraid to mix things up.
There have been rumors swirling about Mitchell's future in Cleveland. Also, Darius Garland is reportedly expected to request a trade if Mitchell is extended, so is it possible the backcourt tandem has played their final game together?
If Cleveland’s front office opts to move on from one of their star guards in order to start fresh, here’s a look at three potential offseason acquisitions.
Tyler Herro
The former Sixth Man of the Year could be acquired in a trade for either guard, but the surrounding details may drastically change. If the trade is for Mitchell, the Miami Heat would include one of their rising talents, Jaime Jaquez Jr. or Nikola Jović. If the trade is for Garland, 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 could provide in the postseason.
Meanwhile, the Cavaliers take a step back in the short-term but could potentially benefit themselves in the long run. The departure of Mitchell alleviates pressure from Garland and Evan Mobley to develop immediately, giving them the appropriate time needed to realize their full potential (which Herro also needs). The 24-year-old Heat guard averaged 20.8 points on 44.1% shooting in 42 appearances last season. Jaquez or Jović also add another element of firepower to their rotation, and they would also have plenty of time to continue developing.
Bruce Brown
If the Cavaliers prioritize free agency to bring in a new guard, Brown rejoining his former teammate, Jarrett Allen, is a plausible 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.
It’s not guaranteed that Brown will hit the open market because he has a $23 million team option for the 2024-25 season. There have been rumors that the Raptors could exercise Brown's option in order to trade him this offseason. Brown proved his worth as a member of the champion Denver Nuggets in 2023, so his down year should not scare away the Cavaliers.
If Toronto lets Brown walk, Cleveland’s front office could use their mid-level exception on Brown in hopes that he returns to Denver form.
Kyshawn George
The Cavaliers have the No. 20 pick in June’s NBA Draft, which they could use to select Kyshawn George. The freshman out of Miami has the ability to stretch the floor at 6-foot-8, which should entice the Cavs' scouts and executives considering their average 3-point shooting.
He averaged 7.6 points and 3 rebounds on 42.6% shooting from the field and 40.8% from beyond the arc in 31 games. George is projected lower in the majority of mock drafts, but his fit with the team may be worth the reach.
