Cleveland Cavaliers Roster 2025: Full Breakdown of the Team

The Cleveland Cavaliers entered the NBA as an expansion franchise in 1970. Their early years were marked by playoff struggles until the arrival of LeBron James in 2003, who led them to their first Finals in 2007 and an emotional 2016 NBA Championship, uplifting a city in need. Following LeBron’s departure in 2018, Cleveland retooled under GM Koby Altman, benefiting from shrewd moves and new coach Kenny Atkinson (hired June 2024).
For this season, there is no major change in the Cleveland Cavaliers roster. In 2024–25, the Cavaliers claimed the best record in the Eastern Conference at 64–18, clinching the Central Division and their first #1 seed since 2016, all without LeBron. Their run included franchise-best 15-, 16-, and three 10-game win streaks, earning praise as a “championship roster” among fans.

Cleveland Cavaliers Roster 2025

Topping the 2024-25 standings in the East, the Cavs have already shown great improvements in recent years. The Cleveland Cavaliers roster 2025 is one of the deepest, with multiple two-way players and rotational stars available for selection. Their starting five is also strong and delivers double-double performances on a nightly basis. With that being said, the side lacks experience in the starting line-up, and the players on the bench fill in that void. Check out the Cleveland Cavaliers roster for 2025 below.

Cleveland Cavaliers Key Player

As mentioned earlier, the Cleveland Cavaliers rosters is one of the deepest in the East, but their offense runs through the experienced guards like Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland. Also, their forward line is anchored by the talented Allen-Mobley duo. With most of the duties carried by the above-mentioned stars, the bench is capable of stepping up with their handy performances on either end of the floor. More importantly, the bench is filled with experienced stars who identify the lapses on the floor and act accordingly. Check out the Cleveland Cavaliers players in the 2025 Roster.

Donovan Mitchell

After a strong performance for the Utah Jazz, Donovan Mitchell became a key figure in the young Cleveland Cavaliers’ team. His offensive gameplay complemented well with the players around him, handing an elite and clutch performer they needed in the close games. In the recent season, Mitchell averaged 24.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, 5.0 assists per game and was also selected in the All-NBA First Team.
As the franchise centerpiece and max salary extension recipient, Mitchell’s elite shot-making and leadership propelled Cleveland’s return to the top of the East. The side was favorites to linch the conference title, the first time since the LeBron James-Kyrie Irving era. But the Cavs could reach the Eastern Conference semis. Mitchell had eight straight 30+ playoff games before suffering an ankle injury in Game 1 vs. the Pacers.

Evan Mobley

One of the exciting prospects in the Cleveland franchise was Evan Mobley. The youngster excelled at the defensive end and also provided a much-needed offensive firepower around the rim. He averaged 18.5 points, 9.3 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game during the recent season, highlighting his overall impact on the team’s progress in the regular season. Winning the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award, Mobley also established himself as a key figure in the Cavs’ lineup. Mobley received an All-Star selection and was also named in the All-Defensive First Team in 2024–25.
While the league was suffering from mega-star players’ injuries, Mobley played in most of the Cavs’ games, reflecting elite conditioning and resilience. A versatile two-way presence, Mobley anchors both Cleveland’s defense and offense—an emerging All-NBA talent.

Jarrett Allen

Another big player making an immediate impact on the franchise’s progress was Jarrett Allen. Playing ‘traditional’ basketball, Allen is seen as a near-perfect player on the court who delivers consistent performances for his side. In the 2024-25 season, Allen averaged 13.5 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game. In the postseason, also, the star also came up big with similar production, helping the Cavs reach the Eastern Conference Semis.
While the Cavs are stacked on the wing, Allen is seen as their anchor-man around the rim. Forming a great partnership with Evan Mobley, Jarrett Allen kept offensive and defensive duties covered for the Cleveland franchise. Helping the side with non-statistical plays like setting up screens and creating open spaces, Allen made a massive impact on the offensive end. Even at the defensive end, Allen covered the majority of the floor space and was a helping hand on the wings also. His task was providing rim protection, rebounding, and finishing, and the star didn’t miss a beat executing the same.

Cleveland Cavaliers Draft Picks 2025

Due to prior trades most notably the Donovan Mitchell trade—the Cavaliers do not have a first-round pick in 2025. However, they hold two second-round selections, including draft number their own 58 and 49 acquired from the Milwaukee Bucks.
The side is looking to add more muscle to the roster, allowing them to dominate the floor. Their primary targets would be front-court additions, with many talented stars already available in the draft picks. Only an issue would be their pick position, with top draft players being selected early in the NBA Draft. Yet they can target some international talents like Michael Ruzic from Croatia, who is great with the ball and works as a stretch-forward with shooting upside. Cleveland may choose one athletic wing and a stretch big, aligning with roster depth needs

Cleveland Cavaliers' Season Expectations

While the 2024-25 season ended in a heartbreak after a loss against the Pacers in the Eastern Conference Semifinals, the Cleveland Cavaliers once again have shown their ‘mantle’ and ability to challenge top sides in the conference. The side is clearly seen as aspiring championship contenders after returning to the top East form with depth in their roster in most areas.

The side’s aim will be to keep the roster healthy in the upcoming season and will look to add some more impactful players to facilitate the gameplay. Veteran wings like Max Strus, Isaac Okoro, and Jaylon Tyson are expected to play a big role once again, providing spacing and 3-and-D, and the rotation would be much better for the upcoming season with new additions.

The side has already taken positive steps, strengthening the roster with some key additions. The Cleveland Cavaliers chose to re-sign their free agents, keeping the team chemistry as a priority for the upcoming season. They also added some experience in the squad with the signings of Lonzo Ball and De'Andre Hunter.

Both additions provide depth and versatility to the roster. Lonzo Ball played a key role in the Chicago Bulls' progress and could be a valued addition in the backcourt, while Hunter has been a consistent performer over the years and will help the Cleveland Cavaliers' front-court duo. The side did well by keeping their core fresh and still adding impactful talent makes them stronger for the upcoming season.