Cleveland Cavaliers
Through the first half of the season, the Cleveland Cavaliers have successfully vaulted themselves into the top 5 tier of the Eastern Conference. Realistically speaking, though, the Cavs are still a move or two away from being a true threat to win the NBA title – they’re still not at the level of the Boston Celtics, Milwaukee Bucks, and possibly even the Brooklyn Nets.
Despite that, the Cavs must be considered a dark horse contender in the East in large part to the excellence of Donovan Mitchell. On any given night, he can take over a game. In the playoffs, he will have the ability to take over an entire series.
If the Cavs manage to make another move at the NBA Trade Deadline, it will only solidify and cement this team’s chances as a dark horse threat in the conference. The big question is, is the right move out there for the team?