This has been nothing close to what the Cleveland Cavaliers expected this season. Especially after having one of the best years in franchise history by winning 64 games in 2024-25. Heading into their Christmas Day matchup with the New York Knicks, they are 17-14, and if the season ended today, they would need to navigate the Play-In Tournament to reach the postseason.
Their sluggish start to the season is more alarming because they have been fairly healthy as a team. So they can either maintain the status quo and hope they eventually play more like they did last season, or make a bold roster-altering trade to make the most of a weak Eastern Conference and get to the NBA Finals in the spring.
With that in mind, let’s look at five Cleveland Cavaliers blockbuster trade ideas.
Cavaliers Trade For Ja Morant
A few years ago, Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant was on the verge of being one of the new faces of the league. But injuries, off-court drama, and now issues with his current head coach have destroyed his value. There is certainly risk in a trade for the two-time All-Star. However, there are some around the league who believe he can recapture his elite status in a new setting.
Cleveland clearly doesn’t mind a backcourt with two talented guards. There would definitely be pumps in the road, but the combo of Donovan Mitchell and Morant could be a serious handful in the second half. Darius Garland and a future first-round pick might be enough to get a deal done with Morant’s value at a low point.
Cavaliers Trade For Trae Young
If Cavaliers management feels Morant would be too much of a headache, another potential option is Atlanta Hawks star Trae Young. There are fears in ATL that Young could opt out of his deal and test free agency this summer. With some of their young players growing into prominent roles, the Hawks could choose to move him now before losing him this summer.
A deal may cost them Evan Mobley, but at this point, the combo of him and Mitchell has seemingly run its course, and it may be time for a change.
Cavaliers Trade For Giannis Antetokounmpo
The biggest move the Cavs, or any team, can make is a blockbuster for Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo. The conference rivals are mired in a disastrous campaign, and trade rumors have swirled for weeks. Trade for the two-time NBA MVP would be an all-in move, and the combo of Mitchell and Antetokounmpo — if healthy — might be the new favorite to get to the Finals from the East.
The hardest part about a potential deal is making the money match up the way the CBA requires for a second-apron team like the Cavs. If they can figure out the finances, Garland, Mobely, and four future first-round picks will head to Milwaukee. Cleveland might also get a player like Kyle Kuzma back in the deal.
Cavaliers Trade For Coby White and Nikola Vucevic
If the Cavaliers don’t star hunt and instead want to shake up the roster while creating long-term flexibility, a trade with the Chicago Bulls makes sense. They have quite a few expiring contracts linked to impact talent. Considering the Cavs’ issues from three and scoring inside this season, a deal for Nikola Vucevic and Coby White could help a lot.
Cleveland might have to add a future first-rounder in the deal to get Chicago to take Darius Garland, but even if the additions don’t make a major difference, they will clear out a lot of cap space in the trade.
Cavaliers Trade For Anthony Davis
Another option to help improve their rim protection and interior scoring, as well as add another threat from three, would be a trade for future Hall of Famer Anthony Davis. There have been rumors swirling over the last two weeks that he is on the trade block. While the Dallas Mavericks won’t just give him away, they are open to offers.
There is risk in this trade because of his extensive injury history, but when healthy, he is better than Mobley and Jarrett Allen and has a championship on his resume. In a season that is quickly slipping away, it’s a risk they may need to take.
