3 realistic expectations for the Cavs after Donovan Mitchell trade

Realistic expectation for Cavs No. 3: Future contenders

One of the most underestimated aspects of building a long-term title contender is keeping the roster together. Even with four All-Star caliber players on the team, the Cavs are positioned to keep their young core together for years to come.

Both Donovan Mitchell and Jarrett Allen are under contract through the 2025-26 season and Darius Garland is signed through 2027-28. If the Cavs can get Evan Mobley signed to a long-term deal, they will have their “core four” under wraps long enough to see them become real contenders in the NBA.

By 2026, Mitchell will be 29 years old, Allen will be 27, Garland will be 26, and Mobley will be 24. The core will be peaking at just the right time, they’ll be under contract and they’ll surely have enough playoff experience to be making serious noise. Meanwhile, present-day contenders like the Milwaukee Bucks, Brooklyn Nets, Philadelphia 76ers, Boston Celtics and Miami Heat will be heading in the opposite direction at that time.

Of course, the NBA is the most unpredictable sports league in the world and nothing goes as planned. But, this is a tremendous position to be in if the plan is to compete for championships in the future.