CLEVELAND — As the NBA offseason landscape continues to shift following the initial dominoes of free agency, league sources tell me the Cleveland Cavaliers are actively exploring high-profile roster upgrades—with both DeMar DeRozan and forward Jonathan Kuminga squarely on their radar.

Following the initial wave of major free-agent moves—most notably LeBron James’ summer decision—front offices across the league have shifted into their next phase of roster building. For Cleveland, that dynamic includes evaluating major perimeter depth and frontcourt versatility.

The DeRozan & Harden Connection

Sources indicate that the close, long-standing relationship between James Harden and DeMar DeRozan could play a pivotal role in DeRozan’s potential interest in Cleveland. Both Southern California natives came up through the Los Angeles grassroots basketball scene and share a deep personal bond that spans nearly 15 years.

“James is really, really close with DeMar,” a source familiar with both players’ dynamics told me. “They have a high level of respect for each other. They’ve never ever had a rift. Always super close. Their personalities balance each other out—DeMar is a low-key guy who stays out of the noise, while James brings a different energy. They just fit, and DeMar has always had that respect because growing up, DeMar was that guy in LA, and James had to catch up to him.”

From a tactical perspective, league insiders view DeRozan—who posted 18.4 points and 4.1 assists while shooting nearly 50% from the field in 2025–26—as a seamless positional fit for a Cleveland squad seeking a physical mid-post scoring threat to pair alongside Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley.

“The Cavs lack wing scoring, and they lack a true back-to-back-the-basket player on their team,” a source emphasized. “Donovan Mitchell isn’t playing with his back to the basket, Evan Mobley prefers to face up, and Jarrett Allen’s role is different. They actually lack post scoring—specifically mid-post scoring. That’s what you need in the playoffs when the game slows down. DeMar fits them completely.”

The Kuminga Wildcard & The Kenny Atkinson Factor

Beyond DeRozan, league sources tell me that Cavaliers President of Basketball Operations Koby Altman—who has been away on vacation—maintains a keen interest in bringing Jonathan Kuminga to Cleveland.

To pull off a deal for the 23-year-old high-flyer, who averaged 12.2 points and 5.6 rebounds during the 2025–26 campaign, the Cavaliers would need to construct a sign-and-trade scenario.

While Kuminga could land with the Atlanta Hawks today, sources say Atlanta currently envisions him filling a role-player capacity rather than stepping into a guaranteed starting spot. Cleveland, however, presents a very different ecosystem—and a strong familiar bond.

In Cleveland, Kuminga holds a strong relationship with Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson, stemming from their time together with the Golden State Warriors during Atkinson’s tenure as lead assistant under Steve Kerr.

Executing a deal of this magnitude would require roster reshuffling from Cleveland. Sources indicate that core pieces such as center Jarrett Allen and swingman Max Strus could be moved in potential trade frameworks to facilitate a retooling.

As multi-team trade scenarios continue to be discussed across front offices, Atlanta’s positioning in potential player movements remains a major storyline.

“Cleveland is more of a trading partner for Atlanta than Los Angeles,” a source revealed.

Whether through a marquee free-agent sign-and-trade or a blockbuster multi-team trade, the Cavaliers’ front office appears poised to make noise as the offseason unfolds.