I think "not much farther along than the Jazz were" would be an extremely acceptable place for the Cavs to be at this stage. They didn't make the playoffs last year.
With very significant upside still likely for Garland, Mobley, and yes, Donovan Mitchell, among others; numerous years of prime ahead for still more.
And they're really fun to watch, isn't that what it's ultimately about?
* If it's all about a title shot, which is certainly not precluded for them anyway, I've damn sure wasted my last few decades.
** As for the trade, several of the most reputable reports after our deal went south had the desired offer from Ainge pegged along the way I outlined it earlier. But who really the fuck knows. I expect it would also have, along the lines of the final Cavs deal, included some pick swaps. Not terribly pertinent to me. Those swaps being most dangerous for single superstar dependent or aging core teams. Neither applicable to us. Anyway ...wrtfk. Done and dusted.
*** Rumor has it that Bo's dying wish was to send that same package to the Heat for the earthly remains of Kyle Lowry.