Anthony Davis Traded to Cleveland Cavaliers in Blockbuster Deal Worth $20M in 2025–26, With $91M Extension Set to Begin in 2026–27

Anthony Davis Traded to Cleveland Cavaliers in Blockbuster Deal Worth $20M in 2025–26, With $91M Extension Set to Begin in 2026–27

 

In a stunning move that has shocked the NBA landscape, the Cleveland Cavaliers have acquired superstar forward Anthony Davis in a high‑stakes trade that rocks both Eastern and Western Conferences. The blockbuster deal—announced Wednesday night—sends the iconic Davis to Cleveland on a one‑year, $20 million deal for the 2025–26 season, with a future 3‑year, $91 million extension set to begin in 2026–27.*

 

🔥 Deal Breakdown & Assets Traded

 

Cleveland’s aggressive push for title contention saw them part ways with significant assets:

 

To Los Angeles:

 

Forward Donovan Mitchell

 

Cleveland’s top‑5 protected 2026 first‑round pick

 

Future 2029 and 2031 second‑round selections

 

 

 

Sources indicate the Cavs also included veteran wing Isaac Okoro and a swap of 2027 second‑rounders to sweeten the deal. While the Lakers—or other Atlantic rivals—were reportedly exploring a deal for Mitchell, Cleveland’s counteroffer for Davis ultimately sealed the agreement.

 

🏀 Immediate Impact

 

For the Cavaliers, the acquisition is massive. Anthony Davis, a perennial All‑Star known for his elite rim protection, scoring ability, and postseason performances, instantly elevates Cleveland’s ceiling. Davis joins a potent core featuring Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley—who themselves inked a 5‑year, $269 million extension earlier this summer . The trio provides a formidable inside‑out combination:

 

Defense: Davis is one of the league’s most versatile bigs, capable of altering shots, protecting the rim, and switching onto guards. This aligns with Cleveland’s identity under coach J.B. Bickerstaff.

 

Offense: Averaging around 23 points and 10 rebounds per game last season, Davis offers post capabilities and secondary creation that will take pressure off Mitchell.

 

 

Cleveland’s front office announced they plan to build a title roster around this trio, adding veteran wings and perimeter spacers to complement the new core.

 

💰 Financials & Extension Logic

 

Cleveland’s deal structure is bold. Davis’s $20 million for the 2025–26 season fits within the team’s current cap space, but the commitment ramps significantly with a three‑year, $91 million extension beginning in 2026–27 (approximately $30M AAV). That contract aligns with veteran-star market rates while providing front‑court stability through Davis’s 33rd birthday.

 

Financial analysts believe Cleveland has leveraged expected cap growth to maximize roster flexibility in this extension window, ensuring space to chase complementary talent.

 

🎯 Rival Reactions & Trade Ripples

 

NBA insiders report the Clippers and Lakers were both tracking Davis. Los Angeles, fresh off signing LeBron James to a two‑year, $104 million deal , evaluated offering picks and young players. Cleveland’s bold financial strategy and pick compensation were too rich to match.

 

Elsewhere, Eastern Conference contenders like Boston and Milwaukee are bracing for Cleveland’s strengthened front-court, potentially triggering a summer arms race for two-way wings and secondary stars.

 

🧩 Implications for Cleveland’s Roster

 

Front‑Court Logjam: With Davis and Mobley on board, the Cavaliers could look to move older big men like Tristan Thompson or trade assets like a restructure of Okoro to balance the roster.

 

Culture Boost: Davis’s leadership and championship experience (2012 Defensive Player of the Year, NBA champion with Lakers) immediately uplifts locker-room mentality.

 

Title Window: With Mitchell, Davis, and Mobley, Cleveland now boasts a top‑tier trio—three high-impact players under 30. Pedigree suggests a legitimate shot at Eastern Conference dominance.

 

 

🏁 Looking Ahead

 

Cavaliers fans can expect an announcement on Davis’s media availability soon, with pre‑season preparations to begin late this month. The front office confirmed plans for further roster tweaks—targets include sharpshooters and defensive specialists.

 

If this gamble pays off, Cleveland could enter the 2026 off‑season as one of the league’s most feared contenders, with flexibility to retain or add talent around their superstar trio.