Cavs face major offseason decisions after playoff collapse
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The Knicks' Landry Shamet dunks over Cavs players during Game 4 of the NBA's Eastern Conference finals. Photo: Nathaniel S. Butler/Getty Images
The proverbial brooms were out at Rocket Arena last night as the New York Knicks swept the Cleveland Cavaliers from the NBA playoffs.
Why it matters: The Cavs' abysmal performance in their first Eastern Conference finals appearance since 2018 proves the team is not yet a championship contender.
State of play: Game 4 was a microcosm of a series that began with the Cavs blowing a 22-point lead in the fourth quarter of Game 1.
- Cleveland was competitive early in the first quarter before the Knicks steamrolled them in the second half with a final score of 130-93.
The Cavs' struggles allowed rowdy Knicks fans in attendance, including celebrities like Ben Stiller and Timothée Chalamet, to make Rocket Arena sound like Madison Square Garden.
- At least the Cleveland crowd got to see Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift in the front row during Game 3 on Saturday.
What they're saying: "I have confidence in myself, confidence in the group, the roster talk, that's for down the line," Cavs head coach Kenny Atkinson said during the postgame press conference.
- "Our front office has done a phenomenal job ... obviously there will be decisions to be made, like every summer."
The bottom line: The Cavs made their best playoff run of the post-LeBron era, but the beatdown by the Knicks leaves a poor taste in everyone's mouth.
What's next: Cleveland will face several hard decisions in the coming months, centered on key players and potential additions.
Re-signing Harden
In February, Cleveland traded Darius Garland and a second-round pick to the Los Angeles Clippers for James Harden.
- It's expected (but not certain) the Cavs will re-sign Harden, who was inconsistent during the playoffs and turns 37 in August.
Keeping Atkinson
Cleveland's head coach had a tough Eastern Conference finals, taking most of the blame for the team's Game 1 collapse.
- He was the NBA Coach of the Year in 2025, but his job doesn't feel very secure at the moment.
Possible trade
The Cavs will need to get under the NBA's second apron salary cap threshold before trying to trade for a big star like the Milwaukee Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo.
- A trade offer would likely have to include Evan Mobley and multiple first-round picks.
Return of the King
LeBron James is a free agent, prompting speculation he may return to his native Northeast Ohio for one last run at a title.
- The Cavs' bloated payroll means James would have to take a significant pay cut (he made just over $50 million with the Lakers last year) to come home.
Mitchell's contract
Donovan Mitchell is under contract for next season, but can opt out in 2027 and sign a supermax deal with the Cavs or another team.
- If Mitchell indicates he won't be sticking around long term, the Cavs offseason could take a drastic turn with a potential Mitchell trade on the table.