3 realistic expectations for the Cavs after Donovan Mitchell trade

Realistic expectation for Cavs No. 2: A potential deep playoff run

For a team to make a deep playoff run, they need the right mix of youth, depth, and experience; along with All-Stars, of course. The Cavs just might have that combination this season.

Seeing that their four best players are 26 years old and younger, they should have some of the freshest legs in the league come playoff time. And now, with Donovan Mitchell in the fold to take on some of the ball-handling pressure, Darius Garland should be a little healthier down the stretch than he was last season.

Depth should also be on the Cavaliers’ side this season. Sure, they traded away some of that in the Mitchell deal, but they still have solid players that can give the team a spark. Caris LeVert, Kevin Love, and Ricky Rubio are all playoff-caliber role players. If you can get a third-year leap from Isaac Okoro, an improved jumper from Lamar Stevens, and nice contributions from Dean Wade, Cedi Osman, and Robin Lopez, the Cleveland Cavaliers are back in business.

The only thing the Cavs might be lacking is experience, but it’s not like they don’t have any at all. As I mentioned before, not only has Mitchell made the playoffs in every year of his career so far but he’s been the best player on the team every time. Moreover, Kevin Love won a championship with this franchise six years ago amid four straight finals appearances. Those are two great assets to a locker room with hopes of making noise in the Eastern Conference.