Permanence is a myth, and loyalty often dances with change. Luka Doncic’s shocking February trade proved that even the brightest stars can be moved. But in a league that thrives on chaos, one trait remains gold—availability. Still, Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley couldn’t lift the Cleveland Cavaliers past the Pacers. Either way, Cleveland’s core cracked when it mattered most, and it showed. Interestingly enough, the current scenes in Cleveland could be Rob Pelinka’s dreams.

Well, Darius Garland missed Games 1 and 2 but returned only in form, not in fire against Indiana. Across the next three games, he managed just 42 points. In Game 5, he faltered with 11 points on 4 of 16 shooting, missing all 6 attempts from deep. Meanwhile, Jarrett Allen stayed healthy through all 9 playoff games. Yet, in Games 4 and 5, he vanished, scoring just 11 points and grabbing only 6 rebounds combined.

Given their underwhelming playoff performances, the Cavaliers are now reportedly more open than ever to exploring trade options for Garland and Allen. The Cleveland Cavaliers’ insider Chris Fedor reported, “I have been getting the sense that the Cavs would be more willing to entertain and at least consider possibilities for Jarrett Allen and Darius Garland than they have in the past.” Speaking of Evan Mobley, the franchise president, Koby Altman, recently informed the media about the 23-year-old’s importance on the team in the upcoming days. 

“We’re going to go as a franchise as Evan is going to go,” the president confessed. Does this mean the forward might take over Donovan Mitchell as the face of the franchise? Seems like it. “And we’ve had that conversation with Evan. In the playoffs, we need more.” Meanwhile, insiders believe Mobley holds the key to Cleveland’s championship hopes. The sentiment has lingered for two years—Mobley, not Garland or Mitchell, is seen as the true difference-maker. He’s viewed as the cornerstone who could one day lift another banner for the Cavaliers.

But now, coming back to Donovan Mitchell’s forearms, Garland and Allen, their future suddenly looks bleak. Darius Garland’s playoff resume continues to raise eyebrows. He averages fewer points and assists in the postseason than in the regular season. In 2025, he posted 18.0 ppg on 42% shooting and just 28.6% from deep. Meanwhile, Jarrett Allen disappointed again. After missing all but 4 games in 2024, he failed to deliver in crucial 2025 moments, vanishing when Cleveland needed him most.

Thus, as more cracks show up in the Cavs locker room, the better for the Los Angeles Lakers GM, Rob Pelinka. He is looking for the missing pieces for the roster that fumbled badly in the playoffs. Moreover, with Austin Reaves‘ future with the team looking oddly bleak, Jarrett Allen and Darius Garland’s rumored trade could turn beneficial.

The timing couldn’t be better as Rob Pelinka is likely to deal with Austin Reaves’ exit

Austin Reaves was never out of the trade conversation as Rob Pelinka and the front office have looked into the market for players to match the Lakers’ state of mind. Moreover, AR’s lackluster playoff performance has put his need on the roster a question. Put plainly, Austin Reaves may not have a secure future with the Los Angeles Lakers.

Recently, Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report dropped a telling update on where things stand. It adds a new layer to the Lakers’ growing list of concerns. “Reaves is nearly sure to decline his $14.9 million player option for the 2026-27 season to explore unrestricted free agency next summer, seeking a salary in the $30 million starting range,” Pincus informed. “The most he can extend for ($19.5 million) is far short of that number. Any team acquiring him would need behind-the-scenes assurances that he’d re-sign at a pre-arranged price, although they wouldn’t be technically legal or binding.”

Reports say that AR is asking Rob Pelinka & Co. to double what the Lakers are paying him, that is, a solid $13.5 million. At the same time, Reaves looked like the Lakers’ third star in the regular season. He posted 20.2 points, 5.8 assists, and 4.5 rebounds on solid shooting. But the playoffs painted a different picture. His production dropped to 16.2 points with shaky efficiency. Now, even if he stays, 2026 free agency looms as a potential storm.

So, when cracks appear, some build walls, others find doors. As Cleveland inches toward a shakeup, Rob Pelinka might just find his opening. The timing is poetic with Garland and Allen in play and Reaves on uncertain ground. Change is coming. The only question now is who dares to move first?