Last month, the Cleveland Cavaliers made the biggest splash of the NBA offseason by acquiring Donovan Mitchell from the Utah Jazz.
The deal seemingly came out of nowhere, and as soon as it went down, fans started to regard the Cavs as legitimate threats in the Eastern Conference.
The Mitchell trade wasn’t the only addition the Cavs made this offseason, as they also signed Robin Lopez, reunited with Ricky Rubio, and made some other smaller moves.
People around the NBA are very high on what Cleveland did this offseason.
NBA GMs were recently surveyed on a number of topics, and as part of the survey, they were asked this:
“Which team made the best overall moves this offseason?”
Cavs fans will love the results, as 41 percent of respondents went with Cleveland, according to NBA.com:
“1. Cleveland Cavaliers – 41%
“T-2. Minnesota Timberwolves – 17%
“T-2. Philadelphia 76ers – 17%
“T-2. Utah Jazz – 17%”
A couple of other teams also received consideration:
“Also receiving votes: Boston Celtics, Sacramento Kings.”
In the eyes of some GMs, it seems like Cleveland won the offseason.
That’s music to the ears of Cavs fans.
The New-Look Cavs
Again, the Mitchell deal wasn’t the only move Cleveland made this offseason, but that trade is the reason the organization’s offseason is being regarded as such a success.
With Mitchell in the mix, the Cavs now boast one of the best starting lineups in all of basketball, and they were able to get him without breaking up their core trio of Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen.
Here’s what the full trade looked like:
- To the Jazz: Collin Sexton, Lauri Markkanen, Ochai Agbaji, 2025 first-round pick, 2026 pick swap, 2027 first-round pick, 2028 pick swap, 2029 first-round pick
- To the Cavs: Mitchell
Cleveland definitely gave up a lot to get the 26-year-old, but the team was able to keep most of its roster intact.
As a result, the 2022-23 Cavs have the potential to do some damage in the East.
Garland and Mitchell will be an explosive duo in Cleveland’s backcourt, which is where the team will probably get most of its offensive identity.
Darius Garland x Donovan Mitchell…Can’t wait to watch this backcourt. 🔥
(via @cavs) pic.twitter.com/jBpP2H0bLY
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) September 27, 2022
Meanwhile, rising stars Mobley and Allen are set to return in Cleveland’s frontcourt, which is where the team figures to get most of its defensive identity.
The Cavs also have tons of depth, which is never a bad thing in the NBA.
Additions like the aforementioned Rubio (when healthy) and Lopez are going to be really solid bench pieces for Cleveland.
#Cavs Ricky Rubio getting work in today following practice. pic.twitter.com/MMtLtPbpyX
— Chris Fedor (@ChrisFedor) October 3, 2022
All things considered, it’s no surprise that GMs around the NBA like what the Cavs did this offseason.
Time To Take A Leap
Following LeBron James‘ second departure from Cleveland, the Cavs found themselves in a tough spot.
In the three seasons immediately following James’ exit, the organization posted records of 19-63, 19-46, and 22-50.
Entering last season, a lot of NBA fans expected the Cavs’ struggles to continue, but that wasn’t the case.
Cleveland ended up being one of the peskiest teams in the league, and although the squad didn’t make the playoffs, it did post its first winning season in years.
This coming season, it’s time for the Cavs to make a big leap.
The year doesn’t have to be “championship or bust” for Cleveland, but a playoff bid and perhaps a little run in the postseason seem like realistic goals for the squad.
NEXT: NBA GMs Expect Evan Mobley To Have A Breakout Season