CLE

Cleveland Cavaliers

Core Group Excellence

56-26

Projected Record

2nd-3rd

East Seed

B+

Offseason Grade

$182.4M

Luxury Tax

Core Group Luxury Tax Commitment

Ball addition addresses defensive guard needs without major salary impact

Current Payroll$182.4M

Luxury tax territory

Strategic Additions

Luxury tax commitment to core

Core group intact

Defensive guard added

Added

Lonzo Ball

Acquired from Chicago

Addresses defensive guard needs and versatility

Added

Larry Nance Jr.

1-year, $3.6M

Veteran frontcourt depth and experience

Retained

Sam Merrill

4-year, $38M

Three-point shooting specialist secured

Lost

Isaac Okoro

Traded to Chicago

Lost wing defense but gained Ball's versatility

Lost

Ty Jerome

Signed with Grizzlies

Lost backup guard depth

Championship-Level Investment

Luxury tax commitment to proven core group. Ball addition addresses defensive guard needs without major salary impact while maintaining championship window.

Core Foundation

Mitchell, Garland, Mobley, Allen

Key Addition

Lonzo Ball defensive versatility