I could see the Cavs trading Max Strus to Utah, even attaching a future first or equivalent value, purely to avoid the second apron. That wouldn’t be a reset at all—just a financial/structural move. I don’t think any team is realistically willing to live in the second apron for a 7-seed, especially with how punitive those rules are now.

That kind of deal still keeps the core intact (Mitchell, Garland, Mobley, Allen). You’re just reshaping the margins.

After offloading Strus and Ball, I’d wait until about a week left in the season to sign Tomlin so the contract is only ~$75–100k for the rest of the year and doesn’t meaningfully impact the books.

Before that, I’d explore Malik Beasley. If there’s concern about the risk of him getting banned post signing (and losing that slot/money for nothing), then pivot to a safer option: a true 3-and-D wing (someone in the Torrey Craig mold).

To round it out, I’d target a Daniel Theis-type big—a 4/5 who can: • Guard both fours and fives • Function in switching schemes • Hit enough threes to not kill spacing

That gives the Cavs flexibility, keeps you under the second apron, and avoids blowing up the roster while still addressing real playoff weaknesses.