For the first time in a long time, the future feels bright for the Cleveland Cavaliers. The team has a young core in place that could carry the franchise to its best non-LeBron James days ever.
Despite a myriad of injuries, the Cavaliers made the Play-In Tournament this season, and even hosted one of the two games they played in. Unfortunately, the team succumbed to the Brooklyn Nets and Atlanta Hawks consecutively, ending their season short of the proper postseason.
Still, you’d be hard-pressed to find a pessimistic Cavs fan. The Jarrett Allen acquisition is working out swimmingly. Darius Garland looked like a star this season, playing a bigger role in the absence of Collin Sexton. As a rookie, Evan Mobley looked like a future All-Star and Defensive Player of the Year.
What goals should the Cleveland Cavaliers have heading into the offseason?
To elevate from a near-playoff team to a title contender, however, the Cavaliers are going to need to make some moves this offseason. With several of the top teams in a state of flux in the Eastern Conference, this could prove to be a critical moment for Cleveland.
This summer, one of the biggest decisions will involve Sexton, who is set to be a restricted free agent. When the healthy, the young guard has flashed star potential. But his absence and the rise of Garland this season could make him more expendable.
Another decision regards the future of Kevin Love. Trade rumors have surrounded the star for years now, but he remains in Cleveland, becoming a key asset off the bench and contending for the Sixth Man of the Year award.
Here are five offseason goals the Cleveland Cavaliers should have on their radar.