The team is young and asset-rich, with a roster and trajectory that suggest they could be the team to beat in the East this season.

Despite limited salary cap flexibility, the Cavaliers have their four core players, including Evan Mobley and Donovan Mitchell, under long-term contracts, which bodes well for future trades and retooling.

This season, Cleveland's main concern is their high expectations, as they are viewed as possibly the top team in the Eastern Conference.

The Cleveland Cavaliers are entering the 2025-26 NBA season as strong contenders in the Eastern Conference, with a solid chance to stay competitive for the next few years.

Last season, ESPN highlighted the Cavaliers' significant improvement, as they won 64 games and ranked among the top teams, only behind the Oklahoma City Thunder.