All articles tagged with #cavaliers
ESPN's Cavaliers–Pistons All-Access broadcast was interrupted when a malfunctioning arena horn blared for 12.5 minutes during Donovan Mitchell's interview, forcing staff to switch to a handheld air horn for the remainder of the game.
Cleveland’s Friday game vs Detroit is in doubt as Donovan Mitchell is out with a groin strain and James Harden is questionable with a broken thumb; Keon Ellis, Dean Wade and Dennis Schroder are also questionable, and Max Strus is out with a left foot Jones fracture. The severity of the new injuries isn’t known, and coach Atkinson will provide updates as the Cavaliers navigate a short-handed lineup amid playoff hopes.
San Antonio vaults to No. 1 after a nine‑game win streak as the stretch run begins, with Detroit and Oklahoma City still near the top of their conferences. Cleveland climbs into genuine East contention, Denver’s depth shines around Jokic’s absence, and the Knicks’ title chances face scrutiny as teams navigate injuries and late‑season schedules.
James Harden has a non-displaced fracture in his right thumb and is questionable for Wednesday's Cavs-Bucks game; after a specialist consult he plans to play, with Donovan Mitchell and Dennis Schröder likely handling more playmaking if he sits, and Harden has been averaging about 19 points and 8 assists this season since joining Cleveland.
Donovan Mitchell scored 32 and Jarrett Allen added 26 on 11-of-15 as the Cavaliers defeated the Hornets 118-113 to extend their win streak to seven. Cleveland benefited from elite offense with James Harden on the floor (143.5 offensive rating on the night) and strong rim play, while Allen dominated inside and the defense anchored by the paint. Charlotte, hampered by Evan Mobley’s absence, relied on 23 offensive rebounds for 37 second-chance points but couldn’t overcome Cleveland’s inside-out scoring and efficient shooting. Mitchell’s scoring surge remains a driving force for a Cavs team that often wins when he hits 30-plus, and Harden’s presence continues to elevate the offense.
As the NBA resumes, five major storylines will shape the sprint to the finish: a tanking surge driven by a deep draft class, James Harden’s fit with Cleveland, Jayson Tatum’s potential return for Boston, Denver’s health determining its title chances, and the Pistons’ strong defense testing playoff math and matchups.
The Cavaliers are reportedly eyeing Brooklyn guard Cam Thomas to add scoring off the bench, with talks suggesting a possible trade via a $6.9M trade exception or other pieces; Thomas, a 24-year-old guard who averages 15.6 points and 3.1 assists in limited minutes, has durability questions and may not slide into minutes behind Donovan Mitchell/Harden and Dennis Schroder, making the move potentially part of a larger deal before Thursday's deadline.
Cleveland lands James Harden from the Clippers for Darius Garland and a 2026 second-round pick, adding instant offense and elite playmaking to a Cavs team that has slipped offensively this season. The move could boost Cleveland’s title chances but raises playoff-fit questions given Harden’s age and postseason track record. Los Angeles gains a younger asset and cap flexibility, but Garland’s health and the team’s broader plan remain uncertain. The deal is also heavily driven by money, with Harden’s $42.3 million player option next season a key factor.
Cleveland and the Clippers are reportedly weighing a James Harden–Darius Garland swap, but talks aren’t at an advanced stage. Cleveland’s stance hinges on receiving draft compensation, Lonzo Ball is identified as the Cavs’ primary trade asset this week, and there’s also talk of moving Jarrett Allen; the Clippers remain wary on excessive draft concessions, while Harden’s extension plans and other teams’ interest keep the deadline dynamics fluid.
The Clippers and Cavaliers are reportedly in advanced talks about a blockbuster swap that would send James Harden to Cleveland and Darius Garland to Los Angeles ahead of the trade deadline; Harden has missed games for personal reasons, and Garland has toe injuries. The deal hinges on contract details (Harden’s no-trade clause, a 15% trade kicker, and salary matching) but would reshape both teams’ backcourts if completed.
The Cavaliers’ three-team De’Andre Hunter trade for Dennis Schroder and Keon Ellis clears cap space to just over the second apron, potentially letting them enter Giannis Antetokounmpo trade talks if they move Lonzo Ball’s $10M contract. Several blockbuster Cavs-for-Giannis scenarios have been floated (Garland/Allen with picks, Mobley/Strus with picks), but whether Milwaukee would bite and how cap rules would play out remain uncertain as the Feb. 5 deadline approaches.
In a three-team deal, the Cleveland Cavaliers ship De’Andre Hunter to the Sacramento Kings for Keon Ellis and Dennis Schroder, with Dario Saric heading to Chicago. Cleveland saves nearly $47 million in salary and tax space and upgrades wing defense and shooting with Ellis while adding point guard depth with Schroder. The Kings clear space and add Hunter on the wing, Chicago lands late-second-round picks, and the trade signals more moves to come as teams recalibrate for the deadline.
At the trade deadline, the Cavaliers, Kings and Bulls completed a three-team deal: Cleveland sends De'Andre Hunter to Sacramento; Dennis Schröder and Keon Ellis head to Cleveland; Chicago acquires Dario Saric along with two future second-round picks.
The Cavaliers acquire Keon Ellis and Dennis Schröder in a three-team deal that sends De’Andre Hunter to the Kings; the Bulls receive Dario Saric and two second-round picks from Sacramento.
After Doncic fell off Cleveland’s 10-inch elevated court during the Lakers-Cavaliers game, the NBA and Cavaliers said they will reassess the raised-floor design amid ongoing safety concerns; the issue has drawn attention from players and a 2023 Dru Smith injury on the same court has previously raised alarms. Doncic finished the game and is listed questionable with ankle soreness ahead of the next contest.