As the 2024-25 NBA season unfolds, the Cleveland Cavaliers find themselves at a pivotal crossroads. With a young, talented core already in place and a front office intent on pushing the franchise back into playoff contention and beyond, the offseason presents a crucial opportunity. The Cavaliers have steadily built a promising foundation through the emergence of their star guard, the growth of their young supporting cast, and a clearer identity under their current coaching staff. Yet, to make a true leap into the elite tier of the Eastern Conference and contend for a championship in the near future, Cleveland must address a key roster need in the upcoming offseason. Identifying the final piece that would elevate this roster from promising to elite is essential for the Cavs’ front office, coaching staff, and fans alike.
While Cleveland boasts a dynamic backcourt led by Donovan Mitchell, a versatile and athletic wing in Evan Mobley, and emerging talents such as Darius Garland and Jarrett Allen, there remains a glaring gap that, if addressed properly, could transform this team’s ceiling significantly. The 2025 offseason is the ideal window to add this game-changing piece, given the current salary cap flexibility and the anticipated availability of impactful free agents or potential trade assets. The question then becomes: Who is the final player the Cleveland Cavaliers must sign to compete at the highest level in 2025?
To answer this, one must first consider what the Cavaliers already excel at and where they still fall short. Cleveland’s strengths lie in their explosive offense, versatile defense anchored by Mobley’s rim protection, and an effective pick-and-roll game between Garland and Allen. Their roster blends youth and experience, with Mitchell serving as an established star capable of taking over games. However, the Cavs lack a consistent, high-level floor spacer and secondary playmaker who can relieve pressure from Mitchell and Garland, particularly in crunch time. This player would ideally be a proven shooter, a tough perimeter defender, and someone who can create their own shot when needed.
The NBA in 2025 rewards spacing and versatility more than ever. Defenses have evolved to switch on almost every screen and pack the paint, forcing teams to have lethal shooters who can also defend multiple positions. The Cavaliers’ frontcourt mobility and rim protection are excellent, but to truly compete with teams like the Boston Celtics, Milwaukee Bucks, or the Miami Heat, they need a wing who embodies two-way excellence, spacing, and leadership. This is the profile of a player who can serve as the “third star” and provide the Cavs with another dimension on both ends.
One name that fits this mold perfectly and is realistically attainable in the 2025 offseason is OG Anunoby. Anunoby has emerged as one of the league’s premier two-way wings over the past several seasons. Known for his lockdown perimeter defense and ability to guard multiple positions, Anunoby complements elite defenders like Mobley perfectly. Defensively, he can take on the opponent’s best wing scorer and switch seamlessly onto bigger or smaller players, allowing Cleveland’s defense to stay flexible and aggressive. On offense, OG has developed into a reliable three-point shooter, capable of hitting catch-and-shoot opportunities and stepping up as a secondary playmaker.
Adding Anunoby would alleviate immense pressure on Mitchell to carry the offense and allow Garland to operate with more freedom. OG’s ability to cut, spot up, and drive makes the Cavs’ offense more dynamic and less predictable. Moreover, his physicality and defensive mindset fit the Cavaliers’ culture and style under coach J.B. Bickerstaff, who values toughness and effort on that end of the floor. OG’s championship experience from his time in Toronto would also provide valuable leadership and a winning mentality that the young Cavaliers core can benefit from.
The Cavaliers’ front office has some financial flexibility heading into the 2025 offseason, with expiring contracts and manageable salary commitments. This means they could realistically offer a competitive contract to a player like Anunoby, who will likely be looking for a deal that reflects his rising value as a top-30 player in the league. Cleveland’s appeal lies not only in their young stars but also in the opportunity for a player like Anunoby to step into a significant role on a team on the cusp of contention. The Cavs can pitch a vision of becoming the next elite team in the East, with multiple All-Stars and a promising core that’s only a few pieces away from greatness.
Other potential candidates to consider in the same mold might include players like Mikal Bridges or Khris Middleton, who offer similar two-way skills and spacing. However, Anunoby arguably fits best given his age, contract situation, and defensive versatility that perfectly complements Cleveland’s core. Middleton is older and potentially more expensive, while Bridges may command a longer-term commitment that doesn’t align with Cleveland’s current timeline. OG’s blend of youth, defense, shooting, and toughness aligns closely with what Cleveland needs most.
From a strategic standpoint, acquiring a player like Anunoby also sends a clear message to the league. The Cavaliers are serious about competing and are not afraid to spend and build a well-rounded roster. It strengthens their identity as a team that can win with defense and offense, reducing their reliance on a single superstar to carry the entire load. This also alleviates concerns about the team’s depth and bench production, as Anunoby is not only a starter-caliber player but also someone who brings championship experience and a winning mentality that permeates throughout a roster.
The timing of this acquisition is important as well. The NBA offseason is always fluid, with free agents and trade markets shifting quickly. By targeting this final piece early and being aggressive in pursuit, Cleveland positions itself to outmaneuver other contenders who will also be seeking similar players. The Cavaliers’ front office must leverage their cap space, draft assets, and appeal to lock down this critical signing before the market becomes crowded. Doing so ensures the team is not left scrambling late in the offseason or forced to settle for lesser options that don’t fit their blueprint as well.
On the court, the impact of adding a player like OG Anunoby would be immediate and profound. Offensively, the Cavaliers gain an additional reliable perimeter threat who can spread the floor, create driving lanes for Mitchell and Garland, and contribute in crunch moments. Defensively, Cleveland’s switch-heavy scheme becomes more effective with Anunoby’s versatility, allowing Mobley and Allen to protect the rim without sacrificing perimeter defense. This balance is crucial for postseason success when defensive matchups and adjustments dictate the outcome of close games.
The Cavaliers also benefit long-term, as Anunoby is entering his prime years and would provide a foundation for sustained competitiveness beyond a single season. His professional approach and work ethic set a tone in the locker room, fostering growth among younger players like Evan Mobley and new additions who will join the team. Cleveland’s fan base, hungry for playoff success and deep runs, would also rally around a signing of this caliber, boosting morale and excitement around the franchise.
