Jeff Teague says Cavs failed to make deal that would’ve sent them to NBA Finals

The Cleveland Cavaliers still have a legitimate chance to make the 2026 NBA Finals, but former NBA All-Star Jeff Teague seems to think that the team missed a chance to make its Finals chances significantly better.

According to a recent report, the Cavs were told before the trade deadline that in order to acquire two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo from the Milwaukee Bucks, they were going to have to give up star forward Evan Mobley and all of their available draft capital.

Teague seems to think a framework along those lines would’ve sent Cleveland to the NBA Finals this season.

Instead, the Cavs opted to keep Mobley and their draft picks, a decision that they are certainly hoping will pay off now and down the road. Mobley, 24, is already a Defensive Player of the Year winner and made the All-Star Game last season. While his offensive game remains inconsistent, he has had some big performances in the ongoing playoffs, particularly last round.

Right now, he and his teammates are looking to upset the Detroit Pistons in their second-round series, a best-of-seven affair that is now tied at two games apiece. If the Cavs survive the second round and reach the Eastern Conference Finals — something they haven’t done with their current core — they will get a crack at the New York Knicks with a trip to the NBA Finals on the line.

The Antetokounmpo sweepstakes are likely to remain a key storyline this NBA offseason, particularly in light of a report that the Bucks are seeking trade offers for him. The 10-time All-Star, who’s a former Defensive Player of the Year himself, is one of the top talents in the entire league and led Milwaukee to a title in 2021. He’s sure to draw a major return in any trade the Bucks potentially make.

The Cavs could choose to circle back on Antetokounmpo this offseason, especially if their playoff run ends in unsatisfying fashion. A second-round exit would likely raise some eyebrows given the organization’s lack of playoff success in recent years, so the coming games are going to be important for a variety of reasons for Cleveland. But for now, the Cavs have to be feeling good after a big win in Game 4 over Detroit.