Cleveland Cavaliers: 5 bold predictions for a hopeful 2023

Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers. Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images
Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers. Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images /
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Cleveland Cavaliers
Kevin Love, Cleveland Cavaliers. Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images /

Bold Prediction No. 4: The Cavaliers will re-sign Kevin Love

In contrast to the last two summers, this upcoming offseason will probably be a fairly light one for the Cavaliers. They won’t have a first-round pick, they can’t open up a large amount of cap space, and with most of the core locked up, they don’t have any huge free-agency decisions.

Expect two major transactions to occur. The first is that the Cavs will bring back Kevin Love; he seems to love this group, he fills a valuable role and should be amenable to a contract along the lines of what Al Horford just signed in Boston.

The second is adding a wing player. That could mean bringing back Caris LeVert on a reasonable deal, but if he is looking to make $20 million per season the Cavs probably let him walk. In his stead, they’ll look to use the Mid-Level Exception to bring in a 3-and-D wing to rotate with Dean Wade and Lamar Stevens at the 3.

Bold Prediction No. 5: The Cavs will play on Christmas Day with NBA’s best record

The final prediction is that the Cleveland Cavaliers will have the league’s best record when they play a game on Christmas Day. This is a two-part prediction, as it assumes the Cavs’ star power and success will land them a spot in the Christmas Day slate next season. Once they get there, the Cavs’ combination of youth, depth and upper-end talent will elevate them to the best record in the entire NBA.

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What predictions do you have for next season? Do you think the Cavs will win multiple series, or will they fall short in their first taste of the playoffs? Is a big trade in their future? Whatever happens, the way the Cavs enter 2023 suggests big things are in store for this team.