Darius Garland (Cleveland Cavaliers)
October 2025
Garland did brief live five-on-five in shootaround as he recovers from offseason surgery on his left big toe. The timeline for opening night remains uncertain, but staff called the session encouraging.
Cleveland will progress conservatively given the injury’s variability. Conditioning and recovery response will determine next steps as the Cavs target an early-season return without setbacks.
Lonzo Ball (Cleveland Cavaliers)
October 2025
Ball detailed his Chicago stint from 2022 knee surgeries to a limited 2024–25 return, then a two-year extension that he expected would be traded and was, for Isaac Okoro. He emphasized gratitude for Chicago and clarity about focusing on Cleveland.
He averaged 7.6 points in 22.2 minutes last season and says the priority now is availability and impact off the bench in Cleveland’s guard rotation. Message is stability first, production second, as he rebuilds rhythm after prolonged absence.
Kevin Love (Utah Jazz)
September 2025
Despite expectations of a quick separation, 37-year-old Kevin Love is still with the Utah Jazz and preparing for training camp. The veteran forward, acquired in a summer trade, has yet to begin buyout talks, keeping teams and fans guessing. Utah remains one contract over the roster limit and could shed Love, but his leadership and floor spacing keep him valuable as either a rotation piece or trade asset. His uncertain status has contenders monitoring closely, awaiting clarity before the season begins.
Jalen Brunson (New York Knicks)
September 2025
Knicks star Jalen Brunson cautioned his team against complacency as they prepare for the 2025-26 season, highlighting the wide-open Eastern Conference landscape after injuries to Tyrese Haliburton and Jayson Tatum weakened key rivals. He insists New York must stay sharp. Despite reaching the East Finals last season, Brunson emphasized that success cannot be assumed. With Cleveland still strong and New York bolstering depth with veterans like Jordan Clarkson and Guerschon Yabusele, Brunson believes discipline and consistency will dictate whether the Knicks can truly contend for the Finals.
Iman Shumpert (New York Knicks)
September 2025
Former Knicks guard Iman Shumpert admitted he regretted not pushing for a trade earlier in his career, believing his development was hindered by constant positional shifts. Shumpert still carved out a decade-long NBA career, highlighted by a 2016 title with Cleveland Cavaliers. Drafted 17th overall in 2011, Shumpert became a defensive specialist but struggled with offensive consistency. He later thrived as a role player alongside LeBron James. On his new podcast, he revealed frustrations with Knicks’ misuse, joking about guarding power forwards despite being a guard himself.
Brian Windhorst
September 2025
ESPN’s Brian Windhorst reported LeBron James is going “year to year” regarding retirement. Turning 41 in December, the Lakers star remains undecided if the upcoming season will be his last, despite entering the final year of his current deal. James, chasing a fifth championship, will decide based on performance and Lakers’ success. He averaged 24.4 points, 8.2 assists, and 7.8 rebounds last season, showing minimal decline. Potential suitors like Cleveland and Golden State are watching as free agency looms.
Max Strus (Cleveland Cavaliers)
August 2025
Cleveland guard Max Strus will miss three to four months after undergoing surgery to repair a Jones fracture in his left foot. The injury, suffered during offseason workouts, means he’ll likely miss the first months of the upcoming NBA season.
Strus previously battled injuries, missing two months last season due to an ankle sprain. Since joining Cleveland on a four-year, $63m deal, he’s averaged 9.4 points and 3.2 assists, proving pivotal to their rise as Eastern Conference contenders. Recovery will be closely monitored.
Lonzo Ball (Chicago Bulls), Isaac Okoro (Cleveland Cavaliers)
June 2025
The Cavaliers have acquired Lonzo Ball from the Bulls in exchange for 3-and-D forward Isaac Okoro. Ball, 27, averaged 7.6 points this season after a multi-year knee recovery.
Ball joins Cleveland as a fast-paced, defensive guard amid Garland’s injury and cap constraints. His $20M deal fits within budget, while Chicago gains a younger wing in Okoro for their rebuild.
Darius Garland (Cleveland Cavaliers)
June 2025
Cavaliers All-Star guard Darius Garland had surgery on his left big toe and is expected to be sidelined for 4–5 months, likely missing the start of the next NBA season.
Garland first injured the toe in March, aggravated it in the playoffs, and opted for surgery after struggling through postseason games. The team expects a full recovery by training camp in October.
Donovan Mitchell (Cleveland Cavaliers)
May 2025
After a 64-win season, the Cavs were eliminated 4-1 by the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference semifinals. Mitchell, averaging 34.2 PPG despite an ankle injury, was devastated post-game, saying the team “let the city down” but promised a return.
Cleveland lost all three home games and blew a 19-point lead in Game 5. Injuries to Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and De’Andre Hunter hampered their push. Coach Kenny Atkinson acknowledged improvement but said the team wasn’t physical or intense enough.