The Cavaliers acquired Larry Nance from the Phoenix Suns in exchange for top draft pick Kevin Johnson in a midseason trade, and finished 4th in the Central Division with a 42–40 record.
Second-year star Brad Daugherty was selected for the 1988 NBA All-Star Game.
Second-year guard Ron Harper played just 57 games due to injury.
In the first round of the playoffs, the Cavaliers lost in five games to the Chicago Bulls.
Key Dates: *2nd round pick acquired from Milwaukee in Paul Thompson deal.