Analysis: The Cavaliers should avoid trading Garland or Allen to keep up with the strength to compete for the championship next season

The Cavaliers face trade rumors, but keeping Dalius Garland and Jarrett Allen may be the key to the offseason. The Cleveland Cavaliers are at the crossroads of the offseason, and they are once again frustrated by their early exit from the playoffs, but are far from losing. Their loss to the Indiana Pacers in the second round has exacerbated trade rumors surrounding Dalius Garland and Jarrett Allen, but despite this, the Cavaliers’ most cautious path forward may be patience rather than panic.

Garland and Allen are not untouchable and should not be so. In today's NBA, no team can ignore any inquiries or refuse to reevaluate their squad. As the second round of taxes limits the team’s flexibility and exacerbates financial pressure, it is right for the Cavaliers to explore all the ways to improve. However, opening up does not mean an obligation, and unless there is an obvious upgrade plan, a deal with Garland or Allen will be a mistake, which Allen has not yet achieved yet. None of the quotes the Cavaliers may receive will be satisfactory. The current transaction quotation proposed by

does not play any role. Despite Garland's struggles in the playoffs, he remains one of the most talented offensive initiators in the league. Replacing Garland with a trading plan centered on role players such as Mike Conley, Donte Divinsonzo or Jaylen Sages would be a backlash. Cleveland has completed the daunting task of drafting and developing an All-Star guard. Replacing him with a bunch of question mark players will hinder the team's progress.

The same logic applies to Allen. His cooperation with Evan Mobley may not be perfect, but Allen is still one of the NBA's most reliable basket protectors and rebounders. A player like Hachimura or Austin Reeves, even if it brings enough improvement, isn't enough to justify trading the player who has solidified Cleveland's defense over multiple seasons. The Cavaliers are just one step away from the championship, which makes the situation even more complicated. Team President Ultraman Kobe admitted the team's high expectations and mentioned that the "window of championships" is still open.

He pointed out that the Cavaliers have passed the reconstruction phase, entering a period of stable playoff appearances and ambitious playoffs. Garland and Allen are some of them. They are not perfect, but they are reliable, talented and have been integrated into the team’s culture and chemistry. Ultraman stressed that adhering to established policies should not be mistaken for complacency. Last summer, the Cavaliers resisted their overreacting urges despite external pressure after losing to the Knicks in the first round. The decision proved wise, and they ended up with a 48-win season and won their first playoff series victory since 2018. Ultraman believes there is no reason to give up this strategy now.

Internal development in Cleveland may be the direction forward

Internal development remains the most reasonable path forward, especially under the restrictions of the new labor-capital agreement. With limited trading options and little room for financial maneuver, the best way to lift the cap in Cleveland may come from within. This means Garland has to become stronger and more durable. Mobley needs to continue to improve on the offensive end. Teams need to improve their shooting, space and health – and none of these need to be solved by sacrificing core players. The

Cavaliers are not a broken team. They are a competitive team that needs adjustment rather than total destruction. Mitchell remains the core player of the team. Mobri is still improving. Despite their respective limitations, Garland and Allen remain valuable contributors to the team under controlled contracts. This continuity is crucial, especially as many Eastern Conference opponents face uncertainty themselves.

The temptation to cause a sensation does exist. But not every offseason needs to be a sensation. Sometimes, the boldest move is restraint. The Cavaliers have every reason to believe in their core roster, as all the elements are in place. The key now is refining, not reshaping. While the trade rumors will continue, a smarter long-term strategy may be to get the team back and become smarter and stronger.