Can you imagine a playoff collapse this brutal? The Cleveland Cavaliers owned the regular season with 64 wins, proudly claiming the top seed in the East. Yet somehow, it all slipped through their fingers against the Pacers. Now, instead of celebrating, they face an early offseason and tough questions, especially about Donovan Mitchell’s future. The only thing left to remember might be that shining regular season record and a heartbreak that stings way too much.
Amid all this turmoil, 2025 Defensive Player of the Year Evan Mobley steps into the spotlight. Sources from Cleveland.com reveal voices inside the Cavs organization pushing for the 23-year-old power forward to become the team’s true leader, surpassing Mitchell. Mobley, “needs to be the best player instead of Donovan Mitchell.” Why? Because the team craves that elusive second trophy, the kind they haven’t tasted since LeBron James walked away in 2018.
Meanwhile, Cavs president Koby Altman talked about Evan Mobley taking charge and being the best player on the team. Chris Fedor reported, “People inside this organization have been saying that for two years now. That if they’re going to hang another championship banner, it’s not because of Darius Garland, it’s not because of Donovan Mitchell. It’s because Evan is the one that helps them do that.”
Feb 15, 2025; San Francisco, CA, USA; Team Cavs guard Donovan Mitchell (45) and center Evan Mobley (4) of the Cleveland Cavaliers celebrate after winning the skills challenge during All Star Saturday Night ahead of the 2025 NBA All Star Game at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images
Koby Altman also told the media in his end-of-the-season presser that Mobley needs to do more for the team in the playoffs. “We’re going to go as a franchise as Evan is going to go,” the president confessed. Does this mean the 23-year-old is going to replace Spida as the face of the franchise? Seems like it. “And we’ve had that conversation with Evan. In the playoffs, we need more.”
At the same time, Coach Kenny’s offseason plan is ready to roll, and excitement is high. Evan Mobley, one of the game’s best big men, averaged 18.5 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks this season. In the playoffs, he showed up with 17.1 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks over eight games. He missed one game but kept proving why he’s invaluable for the Cavs’ future.
Mobley turns 24 this summer and just won Defensive Player of the Year. That award triggered a boost in his contract, raising his rookie extension’s first-year salary from 25 percent to 30 percent of the salary cap. Last summer, he signed a massive five-year, $224 million deal with Cleveland. And while Donovan Mitchell’s role on the team turns questionable, new speculations involving Giannis Antetokounmpo take center stage in Cleveland.
Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley could face a dilemma as the Cavs hope for a Giannis Antetokounmpo trade
The Cleveland Cavaliers might be in the mix to land Giannis Antetokounmpo this offseason. After the Bucks’ playoff disappointment and Damian Lillard’s injury, Giannis could push for a trade. Few teams have the assets and cap space for this, but the Cavs do. Evan Mobley, just 23, is their top young star and likely key trade piece in talks.
Still, trading Mobley for the 30-year-old two-time MVP is not a simple choice. Giannis boasts eight All-NBA selections and still has prime years ahead. Yet, former Cavs forward Georges Niang doubts Cleveland will part with Mobley, seeing him as their very own Greek Freak in the making.
Former Cavalier Georges Niang explains why Cleveland won’t consider trade Evan Mobley for Giannis
“They see Mobley as a younger version of Giannis…I don’t see the Cavs trading this 23-year-old.” @GeorgesNiang20
“Damn! Is he that young? Oh wow.” @TeamLou23 pic.twitter.com/ahe1iDSkHP
— Run It Back (@RunItBackFDTV) May 20, 2025
Georges Niang played 51 games with the Cavs in 2024-25, averaging 8.7 points and witnessing Mobley’s rise firsthand. Even Lou Williams, a legendary sixth man, is impressed by the 23-year-old’s 18.5 points and 55.7 percent shooting. Mobley’s Defensive Player of the Year honor and All-Star debut prove his star is just starting to shine. So, trading him now? Cleveland isn’t ready, likely ending their chase for Antetokounmpo.
The future of the Cavaliers is anything but certain. Donovan Mitchell’s place feels shaky, while Evan Mobley’s star keeps rising fast. Trade talks swirl, but Cleveland’s heart might already belong to Mobley. With Giannis a tempting dream yet a risky gamble, the Cavs face a tough choice. One thing’s clear: the next chapter will test their soul and ambition like never before.
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