The Cleveland Cavaliers’ season ended with a 113-98 loss to the Boston Celtics in the second round of the 2024 NBA Playoffs. Facing a Celtic juggernaut that had been by far the best team in the Eastern Conference all season was a tough-enough ask, but doing so without All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell – who missed Game 5 with a calf injury – was always going to be nigh-on impossible.
Earlier than they wanted, then, the Cavaliers must now begin their offseason of work. And the Mitchell situation will define that as well. Although he is not heading to free agency himself this summer, it is nevertheless decision-time for Mitchell and the Cavaliers, as they must decide whether to extend his contract and commit to their current foundation, or move him on and reshape the roster around their younger stars accordingly.
No one knows for sure right now which way they will go. But what we do know is that the vultures are ready. If Mitchell is made available on the market, he becomes in all likelihood the best player on it; the Cavaliers must therefore decide whether it is better to hold those cards and see what they can be parlayed into, or keep hold of the star.
With this quandary in mind, as they mull this decision, here follows a look at the Cleveland Cavaliers’ roster and spending heading into the 2024 NBA offseason.