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The Cleveland Cavaliers no longer control their first-round picks in 2027 or 2029 as a result of the Donovan Mitchell trade, making this year’s selection especially important for the franchise’s long-term outlook.
One of Cleveland’s biggest roster needs is additional size on the wing. Sam Merrill and Keon Ellis both stand at 6-foot-4, while Max Strus is 6-foot-5 and Jaylon Tyson is listed at 6-foot-6. Dean Wade is currently the only true wing with notable size on the roster, but he is set to enter free agency.
With the 29th overall pick, the Cavaliers could look at prospects such as Texas’ Dailyn Swain or Duke’s Isaiah Evans to add length, versatility, and depth to their wing rotation.
2025-26 Record: 52-30
Draft Pick: 29
Strengthen Perimeter Defense
While Cleveland showed significant improvement after the All-Star break, the team still finished just 15th in defensive rating. A major factor was the vulnerability of its starting backcourt, particularly Donovan Mitchell and James Harden, who were frequently targeted by opposing offenses.
That issue became especially apparent during the Eastern Conference Finals, where Jalen Brunson repeatedly exploited defensive mismatches involving Harden throughout New York’s sweep of Cleveland.
Even if Harden were to decline his player option, the Cavaliers would have limited means to replace his production due to salary cap restrictions. As a result, Cleveland may have little choice but to retain him on a more team-friendly contract.
If Harden remains in the fold, adding a defense-oriented wing capable of complementing both him and Mitchell should be a top offseason priority.
Evan Mobley’s Next Step
The Cavaliers have been waiting for Evan Mobley to make the leap from star player to true franchise cornerstone.
Although he captured Defensive Player of the Year honors in 2024-25, he has yet to establish himself among the NBA’s elite superstars. Reaching that level may be essential if Cleveland hopes to seriously challenge teams like the Knicks, Celtics, or Pacers in future playoff runs.
For that transformation to happen, Mobley will likely need to continue expanding his offensive skill set, particularly as a perimeter shooter and creator. If his offensive game remains largely confined to the paint and mid-range areas, Cleveland’s ceiling may not rise significantly.
Find a Reliable Backup Big Man
Trading either Mobley or Jarrett Allen has occasionally surfaced as a potential solution, particularly because Mobley’s developing perimeter game could make a different frontcourt fit appealing.
However, the numbers continue to support keeping the duo together. Cleveland consistently performed better when both big men shared the floor than when either played alone or sat out entirely. Their partnership does not appear to be the primary obstacle to contention.
Instead, the Cavaliers may benefit more from adding a third frontcourt player—one with the ability to stretch the floor and pull defenders away from the basket. Such a player could complement either Mobley or Allen when one of them heads to the bench, giving Cleveland greater lineup flexibility and offensive balance.
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