Cavaliers' Offseason Moves Receive Strong Review

The Cleveland Cavaliers' offseason is characterized as productive but not flashy, focusing on key moves around the edges of their roster. Significant actions include trading for guard Lonzo Ball from the Chicago Bulls, re-acquiring forward Larry Nance Jr., re-signing guard Sam Merrill, and drafting guard Tyrese Proctor from Duke. These moves position the team well for another run at the top of the Eastern Conference in 2025.

Yahoo Sports analyst Ben Rohrback graded the Cavaliers' summer a solid "B." He noted the team, as a 64-win squad spending into the second luxury tax apron, expected to lose key bench player Ty Jerome (who signed with Memphis). The trade of Isaac Okoro for Ball addressed the need for playmaking off the bench, replacing Jerome. Re-signing Nance Jr. was also highlighted as good business given the front office's lack of flexibility.

Despite knowing entering the second apron was inevitable, the Cavaliers focused on necessary tweaks following their disappointing playoff exit. While losing Jerome (a top bench piece) and Okoro (a defensive wing) stings, Ball fills Jerome's role. Trading Okoro provided more salary cap flexibility and brought in a rotational player. The core starting five from last season remains intact when healthy, now supported by an improved second unit.

On paper, this represents a successful offseason for Cleveland. The front office, confident in the steady core that produced 60 wins last season, believes running it back positions the team for greater heights in the 2025-26 campaign. With the Eastern Conference's state, the conference title is viewed as extremely attainable for the Cavaliers this upcoming season.