The Cavs have $190 million committed to five players — the core four of Mitchell, Mobley, Allen and Darius Garland, plus Jaylon Tyson — in 2027-28 on a projected second apron of $251.4 million. By then, all complementary players such as Hunter, Max Strus, Dean Wade and Isaac Okoro will no longer be under contract. Should the Cavs fight to retain their four biggest players, they will effectively need to rebuild the entire roster around them. That’s where scouting and development become so crucial.
February 19, 2025 | 10:18 pm EST Update
Jonathan Kuminga returns to practice
Marc J. Spears: Warriors say Kuminga practiced tonight and his return could be soon. pic.x.com/GMW9ukqM5K
Will Guillory: The Pelicans have agreed to a contract buyout with veteran wing Javonte Green, a source confirms. ESPN was first to report. Green gets an opportunity to move on to a contender and the Pels open up a spot that will soon be filled once the team inks Brandon Boston Jr. to a standard deal.
Josh Robbins: Khris Middleton and Marcus Smart participated fully in practice today, Wizards coach Brian Keefe said. (The team did not scrimmage today.)
Josh Robbins: Khris Middleton answered questions from journalists after tonight’s practice. Asked by @CaritaCParks what he wants Wizards fans to know about himself, Middleton answered: “I’m here to be a basketball player. I’m here to win games, here to help win games however I can. I am going to be here as a mentor and whatnot, but I want Wizards fans to know that I’m not here just to be a mentor. I’m here to be a basketball player and compete out there and help win games.”
Josh Robbins: Khris Middleton was asked how he reacted to his trade from Milwaukee to Washington. “A lot of different things going through my mind at the time,” Middleton answered. “But they had to do what they had to do on their end. For me, it’s just controlling what I can control, and it’s basketball at the end of the day. It’s just a different place now, a different uniform.”
February 19, 2025 | 8:01 pm EST Update
Javonte Green agrees to sign with Cavs after Pelicans' buyout
Shams Charania: New Orleans Pelicans forward Javonte Green has agreed to a contract buyout and intends to sign with the Cleveland Cavaliers upon clearing waivers, sources tell ESPN. Additional wing depth for the East-best Cavs. pic.x.com/oi21Chsddk
Luka Doncic minutes restriction has been lifted
NBA on ESPN: “There is optimism that LeBron James will be able to play tonight … I’m told [Luka Doncic’s] minutes restriction has been lifted.” @ShamsCharania on the latest on the Lakers ahead of tonight’s matchup vs. the Hornets ✍️ pic.x.com/RtUGLgQIVS
Kellan Olson: Cody Martin (sports hernia) is the only player on the Suns’ injury report for their first game back tomorrow against the Spurs in Austin. He remains out. Victor Wembanyama (illness) is doubtful for San Antonio.
February 19, 2025 | 6:56 pm EST Update
Josh Hart out against Chicago
Ian Begley: Josh Hart’s injury is patellofemoral syndrome in his right knee, per the NBA injury report. He will miss tomorrow’s game vs CHI – the Knicks’ first game following the All Star break. After the CHI game on Thursday, NYK plays at Cleveland on Friday and at Boston on Sunday.