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[Cleveland Cavaliers]

Cavs reportedly have ‘little interest’ in trading with Orlando

Mike Watters-Imagn Images

Sending Darius Garland to Orlando doesn’t seem like something the front office wants to do.

This will be an offseason full of rumors and speculation. That happens when a 64-win team like the Cleveland Cavaliers gets bounced in the second round by an opponent they were expected to handle.

Trading Darius Garland to the Orlando Magic for Jalen Suggs has been a popular idea in some circles. The logic would be that even though the Cavs would be acquiring a far worse player in the deal, they would at least save money on the backend of Suggs’s current contract while bolstering their interior defense.

I’ve already gone into why this would be a horrible move for the Cavs. The current reporting suggests that Cleveland’s front office isn’t keen on a deal with Orlando.

According to Jake Fisher, the Cavs have not had substantive trade conversations with the Magic. Fisher writes:

For all the noise these days around Darius Garland in Cleveland, we’ve been reliably told that the Cavaliers and Magic have not held substantive conversations on a Garland deal ... and that Cleveland has little interest in helping Orlando improve its standing in the Eastern Conference.

This doesn’t mean that the Cavs are completely against moving Garland in any type of deal. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst has stated that they could be open to moving Garland “under the right circumstances.” For now, sending him to a potential playoff opponent doesn’t seem to be the right circumstance.

Things can change quickly in the NBA. Just because something is off the table now doesn’t mean that it will be next month or in a few weeks. Additionally, Koby Altman’s front office typically doesn’t telegraph its moves. Their big trades — like the Kyrie Irving and Donovan Mitchell deals — were both somewhat unexpected before they went down. It stands to reason that any move involving a current member of their core would be carried out the same way.

The second apron will also make any deal more difficult this offseason. They aren’t allowed to take more money back than they send out, and they can’t aggregate contracts. That means that they aren’t able to send out two players and get back one like they did with the De’Andre Hunter trade back in February.

This will be a busy offseason for Altman. He will have to make difficult decisions about whether this core is built to compete in the playoffs after they’ve been bounced by a team with a worse regular season record in two of the three years they’ve been together.

Source: https://www.fearthesword.com/2025/6...-orland-magic-jalen-suggs-cleveland-cavaliers

 

[Cleveland Cavaliers]

Cavs NBA Draft Profile: Michael Ružić

Ružić is one of the younger players in the draft, but does he have the potential to grow into an NBA-caliber big?

The Cleveland Cavaliers have two late second-round draft picks in the 2025 NBA Draft. Using one or both of those picks on a possible draft-and-stash international player might make sense, considering who they already have under contract.

Michael Ružić is an international prospect who could potentially fit that mold.

As an important disclaimer, we are not draft experts. This article contains links to people who are. I’d encourage you to check those out to find out more information.

Who is Michael Ružić?​

Ružić is an 18-year-old, 6’10” Croatian big with potential. He projects to be a good shooter and has solid defensive instincts, although he isn’t close to being ready for NBA minutes.

Many of the players that we’ve profiled so far are fifth-year seniors who are going to be 23 or 24 years old by the start of the season. Ružić is on the other end of the spectrum. He hasn’t yet reached his potential, but it’s fair to wonder how good of a player he could be if he does.

Ružić missed the beginning of last season with a thumb injury and was bad when he returned. He only played 17 games and 11 minutes per outing with Joventut in Spain. Ružić struggled in those limited minutes as he provided 2.6 points and 1.6 rebounds per game on .462/.200/.333 shooting splits. This all resulted in his draft stock falling.

It’s difficult to project someone so young who needs to grow physically. Ružić’s lack of strength and foot speed is a real problem at his current level. But there is offensive upside that could outweigh those.

Where is Ružić expected to go in the draft?​

Ružić is expected to go late in the second round. Big boards have him between the mid-40s and high 50s.

What do the experts say about Ružić?​

Jonathan Dogbo of Babcock Hoops:

Michael Ruzic is a young, skilled forward with significant upside, particularly as a shooter and finisher. While his lack of strength and defensive limitations currently hold him back, his high basketball IQ and solid fundamentals provide a foundation for development. With improvements in physicality and shooting consistency, Ruzic has the potential to become a valuable stretch forward at the professional level.

NBA.com scouting report from RotoWire:

Ruzic mostly projects as a stretch five at the NBA level, though he’s young and may need to add weight to make a physical impact in the post. Regardless, this is a skill set that most teams desire and may take a chance on with a second-round pick. With his length, shooting and shot-blocking potential, Ruzic could share broad comparisons to NBA players like Jabari Smith Jr. and Ersan Ilyasova.

Draft Express breakdown:

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A post shared by Jonathan Givony (@draftexpress)​

How could Ružić help the Cavs?​

The Cavs need bigs and cost-controlled rotation players as they project to be a second-apron team into the future.

Taking a flyer on someone with Ružić’s size and potential is a worthwhile gamble. This is especially true if he’s someone who can continue to develop in Spain and doesn’t need an immediate roster spot.

This could be a worthwhile gamble with a late second-round pick.

Source: https://www.fearthesword.com/2025/6...aft-profile-michael-ruzic-cleveland-cavaliers

 

[Cleveland Cavaliers]

Report: Cavs’ Darius Garland ‘obviously’ not getting traded

Photo by David Liam Kyle/NBAE via Getty Images

The Cavs aren’t likely to trade their All-Star point guard.

ESPN’s Brian Windhorst shut down any notion of the Cleveland Cavaliers trying to trade Darius Garland this summer. He explains that just because they’ll be listening to offers does not mean the Cavs are actively shopping Garland.

“Obviously Darius Garland is not getting traded,” Windhorst said on ESPN Cleveland. “Here’s the nuance, the Cavs are going to pick up the phone... there’s a nuance between we are taking phone calls and are looking to make trades.”

Garland is coming off the best season of his career. Even if his per-game stats don’t show it. The Cavaliers roared to 64 wins and a historic offensive rating behind Garland’s mastery at point guard. It’s no coincidence that all crumbled when he suffered a demobilizing toe injury.

“If anything, the fact that Garland’s injury was so severe... that is an indication of how limited he was in that series,” said Windhorst. “If anything, you’re the Cavs and you’re saying... let’s maybe try to see what happens when our All-Stars are not wounded.”

This train of thought makes sense. The Cavs didn’t stroll into a second round series at full strength and get knocked on their butts. They limped against a title-contending squad that beat them fair and square. There’s enough reason to think a healthy Cavaliers could have won the series — or at the very least, been much more competitive.

For this reason, the impulse to trade everyone feels like a knee-jerk overreaction. Moving Garland would be especially risky. The Cavs will be competing for a title next season if the core is healthy. They might not get that opportunity if they swing on the wrong trade.

Maybe we can finally stop talking about this now? Probably not. It’s going to be a long summer.

Source: https://www.fearthesword.com/2025/6...s-darius-garland-obviously-not-getting-traded

 

[Cleveland Cavaliers]

VOTE: Do you want to see Darius Garland on the Cavs next season?

Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images

Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NBA. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Cleveland Cavaliers fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.

The Cavs don’t have many avenues to improve this offseason due to the second apron. One of the ways that they could potentially do so is by moving Darius Garland. A two-time, 25-year-old All-Star who is yet to hit his prime could bring back a nice haul.

That said, it’s easier to come up with fake trades that could help the Cavs than it is to find a real one that complies with the second-apron rules.

So, what do you think? What do you want the Cavs to do?

Source: https://www.fearthesword.com/2025/6...to-see-darius-garland-on-the-cavs-next-season

 

[Cleveland Cavaliers]

Watch Indiana Pacers vs Oklahoma City Thunder NBA Finals Game 3 on Playback and Game Thread

We’ll be watching the second half.

Watch Game 3 of the 2025 NBA Finals with us on Playback. We’ll be watching the second half of the Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers.

If you want to watch the games live with us, you only have to make a free account on Playback.

Head over to playback.tv and create an account with your email address

• Connect and select your NBA League Pass login as your streaming account (sign up for League Pass here first if you don’t have it)
• Go to https://www.playback.tv/fearthesword and hit the JOIN button
• Make sure to activate push notifications so you know when we’re going live

Source: https://www.fearthesword.com/2025/6...nba-finals-game-3-on-playback-and-game-thread

 

[Cleveland Cavaliers]

Cavs NBA Draft Profile: Lachlan Olbrich

Olbrich is a 6’10” big who could help the Cavs.

The Cleveland Cavaliers have a pair of second-round NBA Draft picks this summer. We’re profiling several prospects to keep an eye on as we approach the big day.

Today, we’re focusing on Lachlan Olbrich.

Who is Lachlan Olbrich?​

Olbrich is a 21-year-old international player who averaged 8.7 points and 3.8 rebounds last season with Illawarra. His athletic 6’10” frame makes him a prospect to target for the Cavs.

Where is Olbrich expected to go in the draft?​

Olbrich had a strong draft combine, making it more likely he will be taken in the second round than undrafted overall. The Cavs might miss on a chance to take him at 49th or 58th — but this deep into this draft, anything is possible.

Lachlan Olbrich's skill, craft and toughness earned him a callup to the NBA Combine with 31 points, 17 rebounds in 42 minutes. The 6'10 Australian won the NBL Championship with Illawarra this season, with some big games in the finals. pic.twitter.com/XCmriJcYHK

— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) May 13, 2025​

What do the experts say about Olbrich?​

Sports Illustrated:

“An Australian big with a high motor, Olbrich does the little things that impact winning. He plays with tremendous effort and finds himself in the right place at the right time, which is a result of his good natural feel for the game. ”

Ersin Demir’s NBA Draft Newsletter:

“He’s a strong and athletic five who bulked up to 230 pounds. His quick feet and fluid hips are results of his great core strength. He’s mobile and agile, and playing professional ball helped him to recognize how he must use his physicality to create advantages.”

Basketball.com.au:

“What distinguishes Olbrich is his combination of skill and decision-making ability — two qualities highly valued by NBA talent evaluators. His performances at the pre-draft events have only strengthened his case as a legitimate prospect with translatable skills for the next level.”

How could Olbirch help the Cavs?​

A crafty, athletic forward who has a great feel for the game is an immediate fit in Cleveland. Olbrich wouldn’t need to do anything other than fill a small role on the bench. If his intangibles are as advertised — this is a feat he could accomplish even as a rookie.

Let me not get carried away. Whenever we discuss a second-round prospect, it’s essential to be realistic. Olbrich is a limited three-point shooter — and we’ve already seen a similar version of this prospect in Cleveland’s Luke Travers. There’s no guarantee that any of Olbrich’s play-finishing translates to the speed of the NBA game.

Still, Olbrich’s pure athleticism and brute force rolling to the rim are worth betting on. He’s been effective in the pick-and-roll and has a broad frame capable of setting huge screens. That’s something the Cavs are missing right now.

Source: https://www.fearthesword.com/2025/6/12/24447520/cavs-nba-draft-profile-lachlan-olbrich

 

[Cleveland Cavaliers]

Cavs NBA Draft Profile: Kam Jones

Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

Jones is a combo-guard who can help the Cavs.

The Cleveland Cavaliers have a pair of second-round NBA Draft picks this summer. We’re profiling several prospects to keep an eye on as we approach the big day.

Today, we’re focusing on Kam Jones.

Who is Kam Jones?​

Jones is a steady guard who averaged 19.2 points and 5.9 assists in his senior year with Marquette. Jones is 6’4” and created for himself at a high-level in college. The question is, how much of that can translate to the NBA?

Where is Jones expected to go in the draft?​

Because Jones is a limited three-point shooter and an older prospect — he’s expected to go late in the second round or undrafted altogether.

What do the experts say about Jones?​

Kevin O’Connor of Yahoo Sports:

“Jones offers crafty combo guard skills with advanced shot creation and a blossoming playmaking feel. But his so-so athleticism and streaky shooting paint him as just a cog rather than the rare star upperclassmen set to enter the league.”

NBA Draft.Net:

“His age and athletic limitations push him into the second round to undrafted range, but his skill level, experience, and basketball IQ make him one of the more ready-made backcourt prospects in this class”

Adam Finkelstein of 247 Sports:

“While he led Oklahoma State in usage this year, what stands out is the overlap of volume, versatility, and efficiency in his game. Small can operate effectively in a variety of different situations.”

How could Jones help the Cavs?​

This will be a theme throughout our profiles. The Cavs need a backup point guard. Some might be holding onto hope that Craig Porter Jr. can fill this role. But the Cavs front office can’t have that some patience. If they can find another lottery ticket in this draft, they should take it.

Jones has real skills. He showcased a wide variety of offensive tools, from creating for himself to dishing to his teammates. He could be a capable ball-handler who fills one of Cleveland’s biggest needs.

The biggest thing holding Jones back is his three-point shooting. He shot just 31% from deep as a senior and finished his collegiate career as a 36% three-point shooter. Jones will need to develop into a quality shooter to overcome his lack of athleticism at the NBA level.

Source: https://www.fearthesword.com/2025/6/11/24447129/cavs-nba-draft-profile-kam-jones

 

[Cleveland Cavaliers]

Cavs 2025 mock draft roundup: Cleveland could be adding a defensive-first wing

Wesley Hale-Imagn Images

Cameron Matthews or Alijah Martin would could add some much-needed wing defense.

The Cleveland Cavaliers have two second-round picks to either use or package in a trade. You aren’t likely to get an immediate impact player with selections 49 and 58, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find a prospect who could eventually grow into becoming a useful rotation piece.

This week, we only have two mock drafts that I haven’t covered in the previous mock draft roundups. It’s difficult to find updated mock drafts for the second round. Fortunately, there were two good ones that I found with Yahoo Sports and No Ceilings NBA.

Let’s take a look at who they have the Cavaliers taking with their late selections.

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Yahoo Sports - Alijah Martin and Izan Almansa​

49th pick - Martin has the skillset of a wing, but the height of a guard. He’s a 6’2” athletic, high-energy defender who was an integral part of Florida’s national championship run this past season. He averaged 14.4 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.2 assists with .452/.350/.761 shooting splits. It’s also worth pointing out that Martin is an older prospect at 23 years old.

This is what Kevin O’Connor had to say about Cleveland possibly selecting Martin:

Martin is a hyper-athletic, high-energy guard who plays bigger than his size and impacts the game with his toughness, rebounding, and defensive grit. His positional tweener status, streaky shooting, and limited creation ability complicate his ability to carve out a specialized role. But his positive traits are exactly what the Cavaliers were missing in their series loss against the Pacers.

58th pick - Izan Almansa is a 19-year-old, 6’10” forward who spent time with the G League Ignite and most recently the Perth Wildcats in Australia’s NBL. This past season, he averaged 7.2 points and four rebounds on 52% shooting in 16 minutes per game with Perth.

O’Connor writes:

If the Cavaliers make a big change this offseason by trading Jarrett Allen, they could use another big on the roster to continue allowing for two-big lineups. Almansa is an accomplished international big who projects as a versatile offensive hub and prolific rebounder, though sooner than later his production will need to start matching his flashes of upside.

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No Ceilings NBA - Viktor Lakhin and Cameron Matthews​

49th pick - Each mock draft seems to have the Cavs linked to a center with one of their picks. This time, it’s 23-year-old center Viktor Lakhin.

Lakhin played all four years in college at Clemson. Last season, he averaged 11.4 points and 6.4 rebounds on .507/.375/.696 shooting splits.

This is what Stephen Gillaspie had to say about Lakhin:

There just comes the question: “Should he be drafted?” That really depends on who stays in the draft and who withdraws, but I believe Viktor should be drafted.

He listed at 6’11.5” in shoes in Portsmouth, with a 7’1.5” wingspan. He’s plenty big enough to play in the league, and he weighed in at 252 pounds. Being that big and moving that well, paired with increased shooting and feel, puts him ahead of some current NBA bigs, to be quite honest. He doesn’t have the “sexy” prospect profile of some of the more “theoretical” prospects, but there is a reason NBA teams aren’t filling up with sweets like that. They are winning with players who can contribute on the margins. They’re eating their vegetables.

58th pick - Matthew’s stats don’t blow you away. The 6’7” wing averaged 7.1 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 3.6 assists on .514/.240/.500 shooting splits during his fifth season at Mississippi. However, those numbers don’t capture Matthew’s defensive impact. That’s why he’s a possible draft pick.

Here’s what Maxwell Baumbach wrote about Matthews:

I’d love to get Matthews in my G League program and see if there’s either a way he can improve as a shooter, or make an impact without his shot. In the meantime, he’d make life easier for his teammates thanks to his defensive output and selflessness. I’d take him on an E-10 every day of the week, and he could climb from there based on his pre-draft process output.

Source: https://www.fearthesword.com/2025/6...hews-alijah-martin-izan-almansa-viktor-lakhin