There is a lot riding on the Cleveland Cavaliers’ shoulders when they take on the Orlando Magic in the opening round of the 2024 NBA Playoffs. Even though the Cavs have a year to go until their next game—against the New York Knicks—they haven’t completely forgotten their loss from the previous season’s postseason debacle.

The stench of how last season ended won’t go away until Cleveland, despite their current on-court troubles versus Orlando, looks like an elite team. Things will only get worse if the Cavs lose badly to the Magic in their home opener of the series, especially if it ends up going down like they did against the Knicks the previous year.


Of course, the worst-case scenario would be if Orlando eliminated Cleveland in the first round. The coaching staff, roster, and front office would probably all undergo drastic changes if that ever happened. In fact, by the time the next season rolls around and the Cavaliers’ doomsday scenario plays out, the squad might look completely different.

Mitchell stated before the season began that he wouldn’t consider signing a contract extension with the Cavaliers until this offseason at the latest. In the event that Mitchell informs Cleveland that he is not interested in committing to a long-term contract, the Cavaliers will have to decide whether to give up and try to trade their star guard or try one more time to win Mitchell over by signing him when free agency opens up the following summer.

Even if Mitchell decides to make a long-term commitment to Cleveland, there may still be a drastic adjustment made to please him. When his future with Cleveland wasn’t even guaranteed, Mitchell was actively courting players like Georges Niang to join him on the Cavaliers last summer.
Darius Garland, Jarrett Allen, or even Evan Mobley may find themselves on a different squad come next season, depending on the transactions. That does not imply that the Cavaliers must demolish what they have constructed. Even if Mitchell recommitted, that would still be a huge mistake and a step back for the squad since young, vital players don’t just appear out of nowhere. Organizations also cannot give up everything for a player or two when no one on the team has yet shown they are deserving of such a commitment.

Darius Garland, Jarrett Allen, or even Evan Mobley may find themselves on a different squad come next season, depending on the transactions. That does not imply that the Cavaliers must demolish what they have constructed. Even if Mitchell recommitted, that would still be a huge mistake and a step back for the squad since young, vital players don’t just appear out of nowhere. Organizations also cannot give up everything for a player or two when no one on the team has yet shown they are deserving of such a commitment.