Editing Cleveland Cavaliers (section)

==History==
{{Main|History of the Cleveland Cavaliers}}
The Cavaliers began play in the [[1970–71 NBA season|1970–71 season]] as an expansion team.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Lubinger|first=Bill|date=June 24, 2010|title=It was 40 years ago that the Cleveland Cavaliers prepared for their first NBA draft|url=https://www.cleveland.com/cavs/2010/06/remember_when_it_was_40_years.html|url-status=live|access-date=September 27, 2021|website=cleveland|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200803212859/https://www.cleveland.com/cavs/2010/06/remember_when_it_was_40_years.html |archive-date=August 3, 2020 }}</ref> They set losing records in each of their first five seasons before winning their first division title in [[1975–76 Cleveland Cavaliers season|1976]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=March 28, 1975|title=Cavaliers Are Defensively Oriented For Playoff Spot|url=http://www.newspapers.com/image/322003335/|url-status=live|access-date=September 27, 2021|website=Newspapers.com|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210927144013/http://www.newspapers.com/image/322003335/ |archive-date=September 27, 2021 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=1970-71 Cleveland Cavaliers Roster and Stats|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/CLE/1971.html|access-date=September 27, 2021|website=Basketball-Reference.com|language=en|archive-date=October 23, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201023112653/https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/CLE/1971.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=1971-72 Cleveland Cavaliers Roster and Stats|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/CLE/1972.html|access-date=September 27, 2021|website=Basketball-Reference.com|language=en|archive-date=November 2, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201102002527/https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/CLE/1972.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=1972-73 Cleveland Cavaliers Roster and Stats|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/CLE/1973.html|access-date=September 27, 2021|website=Basketball-Reference.com|language=en|archive-date=October 31, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201031050629/https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/CLE/1973.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=1973-74 Cleveland Cavaliers Roster and Stats|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/CLE/1974.html|access-date=September 27, 2021|website=Basketball-Reference.com|language=en|archive-date=November 4, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201104035540/https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/CLE/1974.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=1974-75 Cleveland Cavaliers Roster and Stats|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/CLE/1975.html|access-date=September 27, 2021|website=Basketball-Reference.com|language=en|archive-date=November 6, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201106181328/https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/CLE/1975.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=April 13, 1976|title=Cavaliers Reach Lofty Plateau|url=http://www.newspapers.com/image/398888764/|url-status=live|access-date=September 27, 2021|website=Newspapers.com|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210927144012/http://www.newspapers.com/image/398888764/ |archive-date=September 27, 2021 }}</ref> The 1976 team was led by [[Austin Carr]], [[Bingo Smith|Bobby "Bingo" Smith]], [[Jim Chones]], [[Dick Snyder]], [[Nate Thurmond]] and head coach [[Bill Fitch]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=April 30, 1976|title=Chenier's scoring outburst overdue|url=http://www.newspapers.com/image/155916196/|url-status=live|access-date=September 27, 2021|website=Newspapers.com|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210927144010/http://www.newspapers.com/image/155916196/ |archive-date=September 27, 2021 }}</ref> It was remembered for the "[[Miracle at Richfield]]", in which the Cavaliers defeated the [[Washington Bullets]], 4–3, in the Eastern Conference Semifinals.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|date=April 30, 1976|title=First thought was to pass, says Snyder|url=http://www.newspapers.com/image/155916174/|url-status=live|access-date=September 27, 2021|website=Newspapers.com|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210927144013/http://www.newspapers.com/image/155916174/ |archive-date=September 27, 2021 }}</ref> They won Game 7, 87–85, on a shot by Snyder with four seconds to go.<ref name=":0" /> The Cavaliers moved on to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time,<ref name=":0" /> but were without Chones after he broke his toe before the series opener.<ref>{{Cite web|date=May 6, 1976|title=Cavs-Celts series looks like a parade of wounded|url=http://www.newspapers.com/image/412281904/|url-status=live|access-date=September 27, 2021|website=Newspapers.com|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210927153532/http://www.newspapers.com/image/412281904/ |archive-date=September 27, 2021 }}</ref> As a result, the Cavaliers went on to lose, 4–2, to the [[Boston Celtics]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Pluto|first=Terry|date=March 3, 2016|title=Cleveland Cavaliers celebrate Miracle of Richfield -- close your eyes and you can still hear the cheers: Terry Pluto (video)|url=http://www.cleveland.com/pluto/index.ssf/2016/03/cleveland_cavaliers_celebrate.html|access-date=November 4, 2017|work=Cleveland.com|archive-date=November 7, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107012638/http://www.cleveland.com/pluto/index.ssf/2016/03/cleveland_cavaliers_celebrate.html|url-status=live}}</ref> They made playoff appearances in the following two seasons before a six-year playoff drought.<ref>{{Cite web|date=April 4, 1977|title=Kings Aid Cavaliers to Playoff Spot|url=http://www.newspapers.com/image/16527173/|url-status=live|access-date=September 27, 2021|website=Newspapers.com|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210927153536/http://www.newspapers.com/image/16527173/ |archive-date=September 27, 2021 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=April 13, 1978|title=Cavs rely on defense|url=http://www.newspapers.com/image/147073408/|url-status=live|access-date=September 27, 2021|website=Newspapers.com|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210927153539/http://www.newspapers.com/image/147073408/ |archive-date=September 27, 2021 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=1978-79 NBA Season Summary|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_1979.html|access-date=September 27, 2021|website=Basketball-Reference.com|language=en|archive-date=October 14, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131014055415/http://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_1979.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=1979-80 NBA Season Summary|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_1980.html|access-date=September 27, 2021|website=Basketball-Reference.com|language=en|archive-date=August 4, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110804024957/http://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_1980.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=1980-81 Cleveland Cavaliers Roster and Stats|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/CLE/1981.html|access-date=September 27, 2021|website=Basketball-Reference.com|language=en|archive-date=October 21, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201021084222/https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/CLE/1981.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web|title=1981-82 Cleveland Cavaliers Roster and Stats|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/CLE/1982.html|access-date=September 27, 2021|website=Basketball-Reference.com|language=en|archive-date=October 1, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201001144608/https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/CLE/1982.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=1982-83 Cleveland Cavaliers Roster and Stats|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/CLE/1983.html|access-date=September 27, 2021|website=Basketball-Reference.com|archive-date=November 20, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201120053132/https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/CLE/1983.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=1983-84 Cleveland Cavaliers Roster and Stats|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/CLE/1984.html|access-date=September 27, 2021|website=Basketball-Reference.com|archive-date=November 1, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201101104827/https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/CLE/1984.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:LeBron James 11092.jpg|thumb|left|175px|Cavaliers forward and Akron native [[LeBron James]], who was the first overall pick of the [[2003 NBA draft]]. A perennial [[NBA All-Star]] and a four-time [[NBA MVP]] winner, he led the team to its first NBA Finals in [[2007 NBA Finals|2007]] and their first championship in [[2016 NBA Finals|2016]].]]
The early 1980s were marked by [[Ted Stepien]]'s ownership. During Stepien's tenure, the Cavaliers made a practice of trading future draft picks for marginal veteran players.<ref name="nytimes2">{{cite web|date=September 15, 2007|title=Ted Stepien, N.B.A. Owner, Is Dead at 82|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/15/sports/basketball/15stepien.html|access-date=November 4, 2017|work=The New York Times|archive-date=March 25, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140325055455/http://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/15/sports/basketball/15stepien.html|url-status=live}}</ref> His most notable deal sent a 1982 first-round pick to the [[Los Angeles Lakers]] in exchange for [[Don Ford]] and the 22nd overall pick in 1980.<ref>{{Cite web|date=February 17, 1980|title=Big-time swaps|url=http://www.newspapers.com/image/283043788/|url-status=live|access-date=September 27, 2021|website=Newspapers.com|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210927155732/http://www.newspapers.com/image/283043788/ |archive-date=September 27, 2021 }}</ref> As a result of Stepien's dealings, the NBA introduced the "Stepien Rule", which prohibits teams from trading first-round draft picks in successive seasons.<ref name="nytimes2" /><ref name="thoughtco2">{{cite web|last=Zegers|first=Charlie|date=March 24, 2017|title=About the Ted Stepien Rule|url=https://www.thoughtco.com/what-is-the-ted-stepien-rule-325791|access-date=November 4, 2017|work=thoughtco.com|archive-date=November 7, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107005448/https://www.thoughtco.com/what-is-the-ted-stepien-rule-325791|url-status=live}}</ref> The Cavaliers went 66–180, dropped to the bottom of the league in attendance and lost $15 million during Stepien's three years as the owner.<ref name="nytimes2" /> The Cavs went through six coaches during this span, including four during the 1981–82 season.<ref name="nytimes2" /> The team finished 15–67, and between March and November 1982, the team had a 24-game losing streak, which, at the time, was the [[List of National Basketball Association longest losing streaks|NBA's longest losing streak]].<ref name=":12">{{Cite web|title=1981-82 Cleveland Cavaliers Roster and Stats|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/CLE/1982.html|access-date=September 27, 2021|website=Basketball-Reference.com|language=en|archive-date=October 1, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201001144608/https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/CLE/1982.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=1981-82 Cleveland Cavaliers Schedule and Results|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/CLE/1982_games.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060626105918/http://www.basketball-reference.com:80/teams/CLE/1982_games.html |archive-date=June 26, 2006 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=1982-83 Cleveland Cavaliers Schedule and Results|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/CLE/1983_games.html|access-date=September 27, 2021|website=Basketball-Reference.com|language=en|archive-date=September 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210927155842/https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/CLE/1983_games.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=November 6, 1982|title=Bird, Parish help keeps Celts undefeated|url=http://www.newspapers.com/image/246146574/|url-status=live|access-date=September 27, 2021|website=Newspapers.com|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210927155728/http://www.newspapers.com/image/246146574/ |archive-date=September 27, 2021 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=November 11, 1982|title=Warrior slump persists|url=http://www.newspapers.com/image/63407626/|url-status=live|access-date=September 27, 2021|website=Newspapers.com|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210927155727/http://www.newspapers.com/image/63407626/ |archive-date=September 27, 2021 }}</ref> [[George Gund III|George]] and [[Gordon Gund]] purchased the Cavaliers from Stepien in 1983.<ref name="thoughtco2" /><ref>{{Cite web|date=April 8, 1982|title=Gund brothers end Stepien's reign|url=http://www.newspapers.com/image/304356522/|url-status=live|access-date=September 27, 2021|website=Newspapers.com|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210927155729/http://www.newspapers.com/image/304356522/ |archive-date=September 27, 2021 }}</ref>

The Cavaliers made the playoffs 10 times between 1985 and 1998.<ref name=":22">{{Cite web|title=Cleveland Cavaliers Franchise Index|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/CLE/|access-date=September 30, 2021|website=Basketball-Reference.com|language=en|archive-date=November 12, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171112185243/https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/CLE/|url-status=live}}</ref> The [[1988–89 Cleveland Cavaliers season|1988–89]] seasons was the Cavaliers' best season to date, finishing the regular season at 57–25 with a team that included [[Brad Daugherty (basketball)|Brad Daugherty]], [[Mark Price]], [[Ron Harper]] and [[Larry Nance]], and head coach [[Lenny Wilkens]].<ref name=":22"/><ref>{{Cite web|date=April 19, 1989|title=NBA Standings, Box Scores, Leaders|url=http://www.newspapers.com/image/641213409/|url-status=live|access-date=September 30, 2021|website=Newspapers.com|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210930185705/http://www.newspapers.com/image/641213409/ |archive-date=September 30, 2021 }}</ref> They had their second 57-win season in [[1991–92 Cleveland Cavaliers season|1991–92]] and reached the Eastern Conference Finals that year.<ref name=":22"/><ref>{{Cite web|date=May 24, 1992|title=Bulls hold on to defeat Cavaliers|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/241956600|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210930193345/http://www.newspapers.com/image/241956600/ |archive-date=September 30, 2021 }}</ref> However, between 1999 and 2005, the Cavaliers failed to make a playoff appearance.<ref name=":22"/> The Cavaliers finished the [[2002–03 Cleveland Cavaliers season|2002–03 season]] 17–65, tied for the worst record in the NBA.<ref>{{Cite web|date=April 17, 2003|title=Cleveland, Denver top LeBron lottery|url=http://www.newspapers.com/image/296564671/|url-status=live|access-date=September 30, 2021|website=Newspapers.com|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210930185704/http://www.newspapers.com/image/296564671/ |archive-date=September 30, 2021 }}</ref>
[[File:Dan Gilbert Chairman of Quicken Loans and Majority Owner of the Cleveland Cavaliers.jpg|right|thumb|175px|[[Dan Gilbert]], who has owned the Cavaliers since 2005, with the team winning the 2016 NBA Championship under his watch.]]
The Cavaliers had the No. 1 pick in the [[2003 NBA draft]], selecting future NBA MVP [[LeBron James]], a native of nearby [[Akron, Ohio|Akron]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=June 27, 2003|title=LeBron era begins|url=http://www.newspapers.com/image/289304909/|url-status=live|access-date=September 30, 2021|website=Newspapers.com|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210930185706/http://www.newspapers.com/image/289304909/ |archive-date=September 30, 2021 }}</ref> On January 3, 2005, the team was sold to businessman [[Dan Gilbert]] for $375 million,<ref>{{Cite web|last=Bielik|first=Tim|date=April 14, 2021|title=Dan Gilbert acquires former owner Gordon Gund's minority share of Cleveland Cavaliers|url=https://www.cleveland.com/cavs/2021/04/dan-gilbert-acquires-remaining-minority-share-of-cleveland-cavaliers-from-former-owner-gordon-gund.html|url-status=live|access-date=September 30, 2021|website=cleveland|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210414212237/https://www.cleveland.com/cavs/2021/04/dan-gilbert-acquires-remaining-minority-share-of-cleveland-cavaliers-from-former-owner-gordon-gund.html |archive-date=April 14, 2021 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2005-jan-04-sp-nbanotes4-story.html|title=Gund Gets $375 Million in Sale of the Cavaliers|work=[[Los Angeles Times]]|date=January 4, 2005|access-date=January 14, 2022|archive-date=January 15, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220115045754/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2005-jan-04-sp-nbanotes4-story.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nba.com/cavaliers/news/gilbert_statement_050103.html|title=Dan Gilbert Confirms Contract Has Been Signed to Purchase Cleveland Cavaliers Basketball Team; Rights to Operate Gund Arena|work=[[NBA.com]]|date=January 3, 2005|access-date=January 14, 2022|archive-date=January 15, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220115052801/https://www.nba.com/cavaliers/news/gilbert_statement_050103.html|url-status=live}}</ref> and the deal was finalized on March 1, 2005.<ref>{{cite web|author=Joe Gabriele|url=https://www.nba.com/cavaliers/news/gilbert_approval_050301.html|title=NBA Approves Purchase of Cleveland Cavaliers by Investor Group Led by Quicken Loans Founder Dan Gilbert|work=[[NBA.com]]|date=March 1, 2005|access-date=January 14, 2022|archive-date=January 15, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220115051257/https://www.nba.com/cavaliers/news/gilbert_approval_050301.html|url-status=live}}</ref> That year, the team also hired head coach [[Mike Brown (basketball, born 1970)|Mike Brown]] and general manager [[Danny Ferry]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=pluto|first=terry|date=May 31, 2017|title=Mike Brown's strange trip to NBA Finals -- Pluto|url=https://www.cleveland.com/pluto/2017/05/mike_browns_long_strange_journ.html|access-date=September 30, 2021|website=cleveland|language=en|archive-date=September 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210930185705/https://www.cleveland.com/pluto/2017/05/mike_browns_long_strange_journ.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The Cavaliers built a team around James and [[Žydrūnas Ilgauskas]] by adding players such as [[Drew Gooden]], [[Larry Hughes]] and [[Anderson Varajao]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=A look back at LeBron James' supporting casts through the years|url=https://ca.nba.com/news/history-of-lebron-james-teams-lakers-cavs-heat-ball-ingram-irving-love-wade-bosh/ct45cidpltir1cxdqwe2x8c79|access-date=September 30, 2021|website=NBA.com Canada {{!}} The official site of the NBA|date=October 18, 2018 |language=en|archive-date=September 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210930185705/https://ca.nba.com/news/history-of-lebron-james-teams-lakers-cavs-heat-ball-ingram-irving-love-wade-bosh/ct45cidpltir1cxdqwe2x8c79|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=August 14, 2006|title=Gooden signs three-year, $23M deal with Cavaliers|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=2549112|access-date=September 30, 2021|website=ESPN.com|language=en|archive-date=September 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210930192118/https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=2549112|url-status=live}}</ref> Under this new leadership, the Cavaliers made five straight playoffs from 2006 to 2010, advancing to at least the second round each time.<ref name=":22"/> The [[2006–07 Cleveland Cavaliers season|2006–07 Cavaliers]] advanced to the franchise's first [[2007 NBA Finals|NBA Finals]], but were swept by the [[San Antonio Spurs]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=June 15, 2007|title=Basketball: San Antonio Spurs sweep Cleveland Cavaliers to claim a third NBA title in five years|url=http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2007/jun/15/ussport|access-date=September 30, 2021|website=The Guardian|language=en|archive-date=September 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210930190138/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2007/jun/15/ussport|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Decade of Dominance: LeBron James' first Finals run in Cleveland {{!}} NBA.com|url=https://www.nba.com/decade-of-dominance-lebron-james-part-i-first-finals-run-cavs-2007|access-date=September 30, 2021|website=www.nba.com|archive-date=September 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210930185703/https://www.nba.com/decade-of-dominance-lebron-james-part-i-first-finals-run-cavs-2007|url-status=live}}</ref> The [[2008–09 Cleveland Cavaliers season|2008–09 Cavaliers]] won a franchise-record 66 games, including a franchise-best 39–2 record at home, but lost the Eastern Conference Finals to the [[Orlando Magic]].<ref name=":22"/> Despite the addition of four-time NBA champion [[Shaquille O'Neal]],<ref>{{Cite web|last=Windhorst|first=Brian|date=June 25, 2009|title=Cavs reportedly reach deal for Shaquille O'Neal|url=https://www.cleveland.com/cavs/2009/06/cavs_reportedly_reach_deal_for.html|url-status=live|access-date=September 30, 2021|website=cleveland|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109033100/https://www.cleveland.com/cavs/2009/06/cavs_reportedly_reach_deal_for.html |archive-date=November 9, 2020 }}</ref> the [[2009–10 Cleveland Cavaliers season|2009–10 Cavaliers]] were unable to return to the Eastern Conference Finals after losing to the [[Boston Celtics]] in the second round.<ref name=":22"/>

With the Cavaliers out of the playoffs, the focus turned to James' impending free agency.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Windhorst|first=Brian|date=July 1, 2010|title=The LeBron free agency: Breaking down how the NBA's MVP and the Cleveland Cavaliers got to this moment|url=https://www.cleveland.com/cavs/2010/06/the_lebron_free_agency_breakin.html|url-status=live|access-date=September 30, 2021|work=Plain Dealer|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210930190214/https://www.cleveland.com/cavs/2010/06/the_lebron_free_agency_breakin.html |archive-date=September 30, 2021 }}</ref> On July 8, 2010, James announced in a nationally televised one-hour special titled ''[[The Decision (TV special)|The Decision]]'' that he would be signing with the [[Miami Heat]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Stableford|first=Dylan|date=July 8, 2010|title=ESPN's Disgraceful LeBron James 'Decision'|url=https://www.thewrap.com/espn-lebron-james-despicable-decision-19090/|access-date=November 4, 2017|work=TheWrap.com|archive-date=November 7, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107025809/https://www.thewrap.com/espn-lebron-james-despicable-decision-19090/|url-status=live}}</ref> The repercussions of this announcement left many in the city of Cleveland infuriated and feeling betrayed.<ref>{{Cite web|author=<!--Not stated-->|last=Plain Dealer|date=July 9, 2010|title=GONE! LeBron James and 'The Decision'|url=https://www.cleveland.com/lebron/2010/07/gone_lebron_james_and_the_deci.html|access-date=September 30, 2021|website=cleveland|language=en|archive-date=September 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210930190823/https://www.cleveland.com/lebron/2010/07/gone_lebron_james_and_the_deci.html|url-status=live}}</ref> After a 19–win season in [[2010–11 Cleveland Cavaliers season|2010–11]], the Cavaliers began a rebuild around [[Kyrie Irving]], whom they selected first overall in the [[2011 NBA draft]].<ref name=":22"/><ref>{{Cite web|date=June 23, 2011|title=Cavs take Irving at No. 1; Williams goes No. 2|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/draft2011/news/story?id=6698166|access-date=September 30, 2021|website=ESPN.com|language=en|archive-date=September 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210930192334/https://www.espn.com/nba/draft2011/news/story?id=6698166|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2014, James returned to the Cavaliers after four seasons in Miami. While the Heat had a 224–88 record during James' four-year tenure and won NBA titles in 2012 and 2013, the Cavaliers went 97–215 and missed the playoffs each season.<ref>{{cite web|date=July 11, 2014|title=LeBron to Cleveland: I'm coming home|url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/basketball/bulls/chi-lebron-james-cleveland-20140711-story.html|access-date=November 4, 2017|work=Chicago Tribune|archive-date=November 16, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181116142150/https://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/basketball/bulls/chi-lebron-james-cleveland-20140711-story.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The Cavaliers made several moves to build a championship-contending team around James, most notably acquiring power forward [[Kevin Love]] from the [[Minnesota Timberwolves]], which created what many fans and media referred to as a "Big Three" with James, Love and Irving.<ref>{{Cite magazine|last=Golliver|first=Ben|title=Did Cavs, Sixers or Wolves score highest grade in Love deal?|url=https://www.si.com/nba/2014/08/23/kevin-love-trade-timberwolves-cavaliers-sixers-lebron-james-andrew-wiggins|access-date=September 30, 2021|magazine=Sports Illustrated|language=en-us|archive-date=September 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210930191013/https://www.si.com/nba/2014/08/23/kevin-love-trade-timberwolves-cavaliers-sixers-lebron-james-andrew-wiggins|url-status=live}}</ref> The LeBron-led Cavaliers made four consecutive Finals appearances from [[2015 NBA Finals|2015]] to [[2018 NBA Finals|2018]] – all against the [[Golden State Warriors]] – winning in [[2016 NBA Finals|2016]].<ref name=":22" /><ref name=":3">{{Cite news|last=Cacciola|first=Scott|date=June 20, 2016|title=Cavaliers Defeat Warriors to Win Their First N.B.A. Title|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/06/20/sports/basketball/golden-state-warriors-cleveland-cavaliers-nba-championship.html|access-date=September 30, 2021|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=July 8, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160708211136/https://www.nytimes.com/2016/06/20/sports/basketball/golden-state-warriors-cleveland-cavaliers-nba-championship.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The 2016 NBA Championship marked the Cavaliers' first title in franchise history, as they became the first team to come back from a 3–1 deficit to win the Finals.<ref name=":3" /> It was also Cleveland's first championship in major professional sports since the [[1964 Cleveland Browns season|1964 Browns]], signaling the end of the so-called [[Cleveland sports curse]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Haynes|first=Chris|date=June 20, 2016|title=The curse is over: Cavs win the NBA championship|url=https://www.cleveland.com/cavs/2016/06/nba_finals.html|url-status=live|access-date=September 30, 2021|website=cleveland|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201021111152/https://www.cleveland.com/cavs/2016/06/nba_finals.html |archive-date=October 21, 2020 }}</ref>

The Cavaliers' roster went through many changes in the [[2017–18 Cleveland Cavaliers season|2017–18 season]], most notably the trade of Irving to the [[Boston Celtics]] in exchange for [[Isaiah Thomas (basketball)|Isaiah Thomas]] and other assets.<ref>{{Cite web|title=NBA trade deadline 2018: Cavs roster looks unrecognizable after blockbuster deals|url=https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/nba-trade-deadline-2018-cavs-roster-looks-unrecognizable-after-blockbuster-deals/|access-date=September 30, 2021|website=CBSSports.com|date=February 8, 2018 |language=en|archive-date=September 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210930191016/https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/nba-trade-deadline-2018-cavs-roster-looks-unrecognizable-after-blockbuster-deals/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Isaiah Thomas reveals reaction to being traded from Boston Celtics to Cleveland Cavaliers|url=https://www.nba.com/news/isaiah-thomas-reveals-reaction-being-traded-boston-celtics-cleveland-cavaliers|access-date=September 30, 2021|website=www.nba.com|language=en|archive-date=September 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210930191018/https://www.nba.com/news/isaiah-thomas-reveals-reaction-being-traded-boston-celtics-cleveland-cavaliers|url-status=live}}</ref> Thomas was later traded to the [[Los Angeles Lakers]] as part of a trade deadline overhaul that saw the Cavaliers add [[Jordan Clarkson]], [[Larry Nance Jr.]] (son of Cavs legend [[Larry Nance]]) and others.<ref>{{Cite magazine|last=Chavez|first=Chris|title=Cavaliers trade Isaiah Thomas to Lakers|url=https://www.si.com/nba/2018/02/08/isaiah-thomas-traded-los-angeles-lakers-cleveland-cavaliers-nba-deadline|access-date=September 30, 2021|magazine=Sports Illustrated|language=en-us|archive-date=September 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210930191015/https://www.si.com/nba/2018/02/08/isaiah-thomas-traded-los-angeles-lakers-cleveland-cavaliers-nba-deadline|url-status=live}}</ref> The following offseason, James declined his player option to rejoin the team, instead signing with the Lakers.<ref>{{Cite news|last1=Stein|first1=Marc|last2=Cacciola|first2=Scott|date=July 2, 2018|title=LeBron James Joining Lakers on 4-Year $154 Million Deal|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/07/01/sports/lebron-james-lakers.html|access-date=September 30, 2021|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=November 9, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109042156/https://www.nytimes.com/2018/07/01/sports/lebron-james-lakers.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In the following two seasons, the team recorded only 19 wins and failed to make the playoffs.<ref name=":22" />

In the first three seasons since James left the second time, the Cavaliers won a total of 60 games, missed the playoffs each season and had four different head coaches: [[Tyronn Lue]], [[Larry Drew]], [[John Beilein]] and by this time, [[J.B. Bickerstaff]], who was promoted to head coach for the 2020–21 season after he had been an assistant on Belien's staff the previous season.<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{Cite web|date=February 20, 2020|title=Who is J.B. Bickerstaff? Meet the Cleveland Cavaliers' new head coach|url=https://www.wkyc.com/article/sports/nba/cavaliers/who-is-jb-bickerstaff-meet-the-cleveland-cavaliers-new-head-coach/95-395e2102-8ad8-4485-b79e-6152e8c22caf|access-date=September 30, 2021|website=wkyc.com|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=April 11, 2019|title=Cleveland Cavaliers part ways with head coach Larry Drew|url=https://www.wkyc.com/article/sports/nba/cavaliers/cleveland-cavaliers-part-ways-with-head-coach-larry-drew/95-f8f54cb0-bfd4-4fae-85eb-7573bbeaa697|access-date=September 30, 2021|website=wkyc.com|language=en-US}}</ref>
[[file:Donovan Mitchell Pregame.jpg|left|thumb|175px|[[Donovan Mitchell]], who was traded to the Cavaliers on September 1, 2022 and has been an All-Star in all three seasons he has played for the Cavs.]]
In the [[2021–22 NBA season|2021–22 season]], the Cavs finished 44–38 and eighth in the Eastern Conference, and qualified for the [[NBA play-in tournament]], marking the first time the team played in the event. This also marks the team's first postseason basketball since 2017–18 and the first time a non-LeBron-led team qualified for postseason play since [[1997–98 NBA season|1997–98]]. The team, however, did not make it out of the play-in tournament, losing the game to the [[Brooklyn Nets]] and then to the [[Atlanta Hawks]], ending their season.

On March 26, 2023, the Cavaliers clinched a spot in the NBA playoffs, making this the first time since [[2018 NBA playoffs|2018]] that the team entered the playoffs, with a 108–91 win over the [[Houston Rockets]]. This was also the first time since [[1998 NBA playoffs|1998]] that the team entered the playoffs without LeBron James.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Fedor |first1=Chris |title=Cavs clinch playoff spot with dominant 108-91 win over Houston Rockets |url=https://www.cleveland.com/cavs/2023/03/cavs-clinch-playoff-spot-with-dominant-108-91-win-over-houston-rockets.html |publisher=cleveland.com |access-date=March 26, 2023 |date=March 26, 2023 |archive-date=March 27, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230327003154/https://www.cleveland.com/cavs/2023/03/cavs-clinch-playoff-spot-with-dominant-108-91-win-over-houston-rockets.html |url-status=live }}</ref> They wound up losing their first round playoff series to the [[New York Knicks]] four games to one.<ref>{{Cite web |date=April 27, 2023 |title=Knicks advance to second round, down Cavs 106-95 in Game 5 |url=https://apnews.com/article/nba-playoffs-2023-cavaliers-knicks-jalen-brunson-941e604b9bf2569ffceda9a768039271 |access-date=September 14, 2023 |website=AP News |language=en |archive-date=January 11, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240111165308/https://apnews.com/article/nba-playoffs-2023-cavaliers-knicks-jalen-brunson-941e604b9bf2569ffceda9a768039271 |url-status=live }}</ref>

On October 25, 2023, it was announced that [[defensive end]] [[Myles Garrett]] of the [[Cleveland Browns]] had purchased a minority ownership stake in the Cavaliers. Along with his ownership stake, Garrett would serve as an ambassador for the team.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Bielik |first1=Tim |title=Myles Garrett purchases minority ownership stake in the Cavs |url=https://www.cleveland.com/browns/2023/10/myles-garrett-purchases-minority-ownership-stake-in-the-cavaliers.html |website=Cleveland.com |date=October 25, 2023 |access-date=October 25, 2023 |archive-date=October 25, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231025225831/https://www.cleveland.com/browns/2023/10/myles-garrett-purchases-minority-ownership-stake-in-the-cavaliers.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

The  Cavaliers qualified the 2024 NBA Playoffs as the 4th seed in the Eastern Conference, defeating the Orlando Magic 4–3 in the first round, but losing to the Boston Celtics 4–1 in the Conference semifinals.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-05-16 |title=Cavaliers Season Comes To A Close In Game 5 Loss To Celtics |url=https://www.si.com/nba/cavaliers/cleveland-cavaliers-season-comes-to-a-close-in-game-5-loss-to-boston-celtics |access-date=2024-05-25 |website=Cavs Insider |language=en-US}}</ref>
[[File:Brooklyn Nets vs NY Knicks 2018-10-03 td 161b - 1st Quarter (cropped2).jpg|right|thumb|175px|Current head coach [[Kenny Atkinson]]]]
On November 6th, 2024 the Cavaliers beat their all-time franchise "season start" win-streak, beating the New Orleans Pelicans 131-122 for a season record of 9-0.<ref>{{Cite web|date=November 6, 2024|title=Cleveland Cavaliers Set Incredible Franchise History In Latest Win|url=https://www.si.com/nba/cavaliers/news/cleveland-cavaliers-set-incredible-franchise-history-in-latest-win|url-status=live|access-date=November 6, 2024|website=si.com|language=en|archive-url=https://www.si.com|archive-date=November 6, 2024 }}</ref> 

After a 128-114 win against the [[Charlotte Hornets]] on November 17, 2024, the Cavaliers achieved a 15-0 start, which is tied for the second-best start in franchise history, and the Cavaliers are the fourth team to achieve this milestone, after the 2015-2016 [[2015–16 Golden State Warriors season|Golden State Warriors]] team, the 1993-1994 [[1993–94 Houston Rockets season|Houston Rockets]] team, and the 1948-1949 [[1948–49 Washington Capitols season|Washington Capitols]] team.<ref>{{cite web|title=Cavaliers become 4th team in NBA history to start season 15-0|url=https://www.nba.com/news/cavaliers-15-0-start-season-darius-garland|website=NBA.com|date=November 17, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Cavaliers top Hornets, tie 2nd-best start to NBA season (15-0)|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/42455250/cavaliers-beat-hornets-tie-second-best-start-season-nba-history|website=ESPN.com|date=November 17, 2024}}</ref> The 15-0 start is also the Cavaliers’ longest winning streak in franchise history.<ref>{{cite web|title=Cleveland Cavaliers Longest Winning Streaks - Regular Season |url=https://www.landofbasketball.com/teams/stats/winning_streaks_cavaliers.htm |website=LandofBasketball.com|date=November 15, 2024|access-date=November 18, 2024}}</ref> 

On November 19, 2024, the [[Boston Celtics]] ended the Cavaliers 15–0 start and 15 game winning streak when  they won 120–117, giving the Cavaliers their first loss of the season.<ref>{{cite web|title=Boston Celtics Snap Cleveland Cavaliers' Record-Setting Winning Streak|url=https://www.si.com/nba/cavaliers/news/boston-celtics-snap-cleveland-cavaliers-record-setting-winning-streak|website=si.com|date=November 19, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Celtics hand Cavaliers first loss of season, winning 120-117 to end Cleveland's 15-game win streak|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/401703390|website=ESPN.com|date=November 19, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Cleveland Cavaliers vs Boston Celtics Nov 19, 2024 Box Scores|website=[[NBA.com]] |url=https://www.nba.com/game/cle-vs-bos-0022400021/box-score}}</ref>