The Cleveland Cavaliers still have a legitimate chance to make the 2026 NBA Finals, but former NBA All-Star Jeff Teague seems to think that the team missed a chance to make its Finals chances significantly better.<\/p>\n
According to a recent report<\/a>, the Cavs were told before the trade deadline that in order to acquire two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo from the Milwaukee Bucks, they were going to have to give up star forward Evan Mobley and all of their available draft capital.<\/p>\n Teague seems to think a framework along those lines would\u2019ve sent Cleveland to the NBA Finals this season.<\/p>\n Jeff Teague says the Cavs should\u2019ve agreed to trade Evan Mobley and all their 1st-round picks for Giannis<\/p>\n \u201cY\u2019all would be going to the Finals right now\u201d \ud83d\ude2c<\/p>\n (via @club520podcast<\/a>) pic.twitter.com\/tS56Ng2EmK<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Cavaliers Nation (@WeAreCavsNation) May 11, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n Instead, the Cavs opted to keep Mobley and their draft picks, a decision that they are certainly hoping will pay off now and down the road. Mobley, 24, is already a Defensive Player of the Year winner and made the All-Star Game last season. While his offensive game remains inconsistent, he has had some big performances in the ongoing playoffs, particularly last round.<\/p>\n Right now, he and his teammates are looking to upset the Detroit Pistons in their second-round series, a best-of-seven affair that is now tied at two games apiece. If the Cavs survive the second round and reach the Eastern Conference Finals \u2014 something they haven\u2019t done with their current core \u2014 they will get a crack at the New York Knicks with a trip to the NBA Finals on the line.<\/p>\n The Antetokounmpo sweepstakes are likely to remain a key storyline this NBA offseason, particularly in light of a report<\/a> that the Bucks are seeking trade offers for him. The 10-time All-Star, who\u2019s a former Defensive Player of the Year himself, is one of the top talents in the entire league and led Milwaukee to a title in 2021. He\u2019s sure to draw a major return in any trade the Bucks potentially make.<\/p>\n The Cavs could choose to circle back on Antetokounmpo this offseason, especially if their playoff run ends in unsatisfying fashion. A second-round exit would likely raise some eyebrows given the organization\u2019s lack of playoff success in recent years, so the coming games are going to be important for a variety of reasons for Cleveland. But for now, the Cavs have to be feeling good after a big win in Game 4 over Detroit.<\/p>\n