The Cavaliers are 0-0 with the season not yet underway, so these numbers come from last season's results and the roster's current books. Together they show a team with lineup extremes, tax-line money committed and almost no first-round draft capital to spare.
How wide was the gap between the Cavs' best and worst five-man lineups?
Last season, the lineup of D. Mitchell, J. Allen, D. Wade, E. Mobley and J. Tyson outscored opponents by 15.4 points per 100 over 80 minutes, with a 115.4 offensive rating and a 100 defensive rating. Swap in D. Hunter and D. Garland for Allen and Wade, and the same Mitchell-Mobley-Tyson trio got outscored by 14.7 over 89 minutes. Same three players, two completely different results.
How far over the luxury tax are the Cavaliers paying?
Cleveland's payroll sits at $209.0 million, above the $200.4 million luxury tax line. Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley each account for $50.1 million of that, with James Harden at $30.6 million and Jarrett Allen at $28.0 million. The number says ownership is paying to keep this exact core together. It does not say the front office has room left to add more without a bigger bill.
How many of the Cavaliers' own draft picks are actually clean?
Cleveland's 2027, 2028 and 2029 first-round picks are all tied up in swaps, and the second-rounders those same years are owed to Chicago, Utah and Atlanta. The 2030 first is the only pick listed as fully Cleveland's own; even the 2030 second goes to San Antonio. That explains why the front office has little future capital to trade. It does not mean the roster is locked in place otherwise.
How badly did the Cavs' scoring margin collapse late last season?
Cleveland's scoring margin fell from plus-2.8 for the season to minus-5.7 over its final 10 games last season. A team built to outscore opponents was suddenly losing games by almost six points a night. That stretch does not erase a 52-30 season, but it is the number that should worry anyone assuming last year's form carries straight into this one.
Why did Jaylon Tyson's minutes nearly disappear late last season?
Over his final five games last season, Jaylon Tyson's playing time fell to 8.3 minutes a night, a 15.7-minute drop from his season mark. He still finished the year averaging 26.9 minutes and 13.2 points across 66 games. The late drop is a number worth watching once real games start, not a verdict on his role.
Are the Cavaliers over the luxury tax?
Yes. Cleveland's payroll is $209.0 million against a $200.4 million luxury tax line, with Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley each making $50.1 million.
How many first-round picks do the Cavaliers control outright?
Just one. The 2027, 2028 and 2029 firsts are all tied up in swaps, leaving the 2030 first-round pick as Cleveland's only clean one on the books.
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