Darius Garland’s future with the Cleveland Cavaliers was a hot topic during the offseason with various NBA trade rumors raising questions. However, after getting their four core players signed long-term, Cleveland seems intent on keeping him—for now.
As a league executive recently put it to NBA Analysis Network, the teams that have the biggest need for Garland on the surface may have ulterior focuses ahead of a loaded draft class, “Darius Garland is talented, but I don’t see any obvious options right now. He’d help a lot of teams. It’s more about the mechanics of trades. Even teams that could—like a rebuilding team—probably doesn’t want to hurt their odds for the first pick. It’s a loaded draft this year and making a trade like this doesn’t make sense timing-wise. That makes a lot more sense to do next summer.”
Garland’s performance last season saw a dip, averaging 18.0 points and 6.5 assists. For reference, he was coming off his previous campaign averaging 21.6 points and 7.8 assists with noticeably better efficiency. He also struggled in this year’s playoffs, posting just 15.7 points and 5.8 assists per game in the Cavaliers’ postseason run, which ended in the Eastern Conference semifinals against the Boston Celtics.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Darius Garland, Cleveland Cavaliers Updates
While there have been fit issues between Garland and backcourt partner Donovan Mitchell, Garland has been vocal about his desire to remain in Cleveland. Speaking to Cleveland.com’s Chris Fedor, Garland shot down any rumors of unhappiness or potential trade requests, stating, “I don’t want to be traded. Those are just rumors.”
Despite the trade rumors, the Cavaliers seem determined to give the Garland-Mitchell backcourt more time to build together. Cleveland wasn’t willing to engage in offseason trade inquiries, notably from the San Antonio Spurs, who expressed interest in acquiring Garland, indicated to NBA Analysis Network by league sources late last season. Other teams checked in on Garland, but again, the Cavs aren’t ready to move on.
Though Garland has taken a backseat offensively since Mitchell’s arrival, he has consistently expressed excitement over Mitchell’s presence. After Mitchell signed a three-year, $150.3 million extension this summer, Garland dismissed any suggestion of tension between the two, saying, “I was excited for him. It’s always good to see one of our guys get the money they deserve.”
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Darius Garland, Cleveland Cavaliers Updates
Yet, it’s no secret that Garland is more comfortable playing a lead guard role. As he admitted during last year’s playoffs, “They want me to [shoot more], so that’s why they be patting me on my chest and trying to hype me up to shoot more shots. That’s the thing — they think I’m not as aggressive right now.” Garland’s natural playmaking ability is his strength, but the team wants him to step up as a more assertive scoring threat alongside Mitchell.
With a $36.7 million cap hit next season, Garland’s contract is too big for teams operating in the second apron. It could be challenging for many potentially interesting contenders to get a deal done logistically considering a lot of draft assets have been moved around the league in recent years.
As another league executive explained to NBA Analysis Network, “Teams trying to win now are either limited by the second apron or short on assets, so they’re not in a position to make a big move for [Garland] right now either.”
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Darius Garland, Cleveland Cavaliers Updates
For rebuilding teams, timing is also an issue. With a highly anticipated 2025 NBA Draft class, many teams are reluctant to make moves that would hurt their chances at landing a top pick. “A lot of rebuilding teams won’t want to hurt their odds for the first overall pick,” the executive added, suggesting that any significant interest in Garland could come after the draft lottery next summer.
The Cavaliers are banking on new head coach Kenny Atkinson to improve team chemistry and figure out how to maximize the Garland-Mitchell pairing.
Atkinson is optimistic about working with Garland, telling reporters at his introductory press conference, “I can’t wait to work with them. I was a point guard and that’s the quarterback. Those guys are running the show, and it’s such a huge position in this league. I’ve always been a huge fan of Darius. Underrated passer. I don’t think he gets enough credit for the feel.”
Atkinson’s approach could help unlock new elements of Garland’s game, potentially addressing the fit issues that have plagued the team since Mitchell’s arrival. If Garland and Mitchell can find a rhythm, Cleveland may improve on last season’s 48-34 record and second-round playoff exit. However, if things don’t improve, the Cavaliers might revisit trade talks next summer. Waiting until then would give the Cavs time to assess their roster and see how the season plays out.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Darius Garland, Cleveland Cavaliers Updates
As the league executive noted to NBA Analysis Network, “Waiting until next summer buys the Cavs some time to figure things out with their roster. After the [draft] lottery, when teams know where they stand, Garland’s trade value could really rise.”
For now, Cleveland seems committed to running it back with Garland and Mitchell. Whether they can make it work long-term remains to be seen, but any major roster changes will likely be tabled until the Cavaliers have a clearer picture of their future.
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