An $83.7 million deal has been signed at the Dallas Mavericks, as ESPN confirmed this morning. He announced that the franchise had officially been signed this morning by the Cleveland Cavaliers after he turned down the Boston Celtics and two other NBA teams. Personal terms agreed upon and paperwork signed, the top talented franchise will join the Cleveland Cavaliers in the next 23 hours for medical, as reported by the head coach, but..
In a blockbuster development that has sent shockwaves through the NBA, the Dallas Mavericks have finalized an \$83.7 million deal that sees one of their top stars officially sign with the Cleveland Cavaliers. ESPN confirmed the news early this morning, setting social media and the basketball world ablaze with reactions to what is being called one of the most pivotal moves of the offseason.
After weeks of speculation, the deal was finally sealed late last night and officially announced this morning. The player, whose identity is being celebrated as a transformative addition to Cleveland’s roster, reportedly *turned down offers* from the Boston Celtics and two other high-profile franchises to join the Cavaliers—a bold decision that underscores both his confidence in Cleveland’s vision and his hunger to build something new.
The personal terms have been fully agreed upon, and the final paperwork has been signed. All eyes are now on the next 23 hours, during which the player is expected to undergo a medical in Cleveland, according to a statement by Cavaliers head coach J.B. Bickerstaff.
This isn’t just about talent,” Bickerstaff told reporters. “It’s about leadership, ambition, and the kind of fire that fits what we’re building here. We’re excited—really excited—to welcome him to Cleveland.
Despite heavy pressure and financially competitive offers from the Boston Celtics and other contending teams, sources close to the player reveal that it was Cleveland’s long-term plan and young, dynamic core that tipped the scales. With rising stars like Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen already anchoring the team, the new signing is expected to play a crucial role in transforming the Cavaliers into a legitimate Eastern Conference contender.
“The vibe in Cleveland is different,” the player reportedly said in a private conversation with a close friend that later surfaced. “It’s not just about winning games. It’s about building a legacy.
For Dallas, the move is bittersweet. While the \$83.7 million deal brings in flexibility and potential room for future signings, losing such a key figure from the lineup inevitably leaves a gap—both on the court and in the locker room.
Mavericks General Manager Nico Harrison released a brief but respectful statement: “We’re grateful for his time in Dallas. He gave everything for the jersey, and we wish him nothing but success in Cleveland. Our focus now is on rebuilding with intent and bringing in the right pieces.
For the Celtics, this marks a painful miss in their offseason strategy. Boston had hoped to land the marquee player to reinforce their title ambitions and continue their dominance in the East. With the Cavaliers now snatching him away, the ripple effect across rival camps could lead to renewed urgency in trade talks and player acquisitions over the next few days.
The next 23 hours are critical. Once the medical is completed and formally cleared, Cleveland plans to introduce their newest star in a press conference—likely within the next 48 hours. Sources also suggest that Cavaliers fans will get their first look at him in team colors during an open training session next week.
In what has already been a summer of surprises in the NBA, this \$83.7 million deal stands out not just for the dollar figure, but for what it signals: Cleveland is no longer just a rebuild project—they are a serious player in the Eastern Conference arms race.