After a disappointing finish last year, the Cleveland Cavaliers made some minor changes and enter the 2025-26 season touted as one of the front-runners in the Eastern Conference.
The Cavaliers were eliminated in the conference semifinals by the Indiana Pacers after posting a 64-18 record during the regular season. They cruised through the Miami Heat in the first round but ran out of gas, with multiple players dealing with injuries.
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The front office lost sharpshooter Ty Jerome in free agency, but traded Isaac Okoro to the Chicago Bulls for Lonzo Ball. The team re-signed guard Sam Merrill and brought back Larry Nancy Jr. and selected Tyrese Proctor with the 49th pick in the draft.
The Cavaliers are expected to be without Darius Garland (toe) and Max Strus (foot) to begin the season. Garland is progressing in his rehab but likely won’t be ready for the start of the season, while Strus will be out 3-4 months after undergoing surgery on Aug. 26.
With the team opening training camp on Sept. 30, Rookie Wire examined the Cavaliers’ depth chart and offered an early projection of the starters and backups entering the season.
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Apr 4, 2025; San Antonio, Texas, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Darius Garland (10) drives past San Antonio Spurs guard Devin Vassell (24) in the first half at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images
Darius Garland: $39,466,090
Craig Porter Jr.: $2,221,677
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Jan 18, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) works around Minnesota Timberwolves forward Jaden McDaniels (3) during the fourth quarter at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
Donovan Mitchell: $46,394,100
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Apr 23, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward De’Andre Hunter (12) dunks in the third quarter of game two of the first round of the 2025 NBA Playoffs against the Miami Heat at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
De’Andre Hunter: $23,303,571
Tyrese Proctor: $1,272,870
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Dec 7, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Evan Mobley (4) celebrates a three point basket against the Charlotte Hornets during the fourth quarter at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Kinser-Imagn Images
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Apr 26, 2025; Miami, Florida, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen (31) dunks against the Miami Heat in the first quarter during game three for the first round of the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Jarrett Allen: $20,000,000
Larry Nance Jr.: $2,296,274
Two-Way Contracts
Cavaliers salary information via Spotrac
This article originally appeared on Rookie Wire: Cavaliers depth chart: Projecting starters, backups for 2025-26 season