Cleveland Cavaliers fans can probably rest easy and ignore any wild trade rumors involving Darius Garland or Donovan Mitchell. Despite any speculation that the Cavs might break up their backcourt, both players appear all but certain to remain in Cleveland for the 2023-2024 NBA season.
The Cavs aren’t going to trade Darius Garland or Donovan Mitchell, according to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst. Windhorst appeared on 850 ESPN Cleveland to assure Cavs fans that there’s no truth to rumors that either guard is headed elsewhere.
One such rumor that made its way around the internet Wednesday suggested that the Cavs were open to receiving Garland trade offers. The idea was quickly shot down by reporters before Windhorst killed it completely. Mitchell even joked about it on Twitter.
Garland has averaged at least 21.6 points, 7.8 assists and 1.2 steals per game in each of the last two seasons. He’s only 23 years old.
Cleveland, of course, isn’t going to trade Mitchell one year after acquiring him from the Utah Jazz. The Cavs gave up Lauri Markkanen and a haul of future draft picks in exchange for Mitchell. All Mitchell did in his first season with the Cavs was average a career-high 28.3 points per game and finish sixth in the 2023 NBA MVP voting.
The Cavs are coming off their best season without LeBron James in 30 years. Cleveland earned the Eastern Conference’s No. 4 seed with a 51-31 record. They led the NBA in defensive rating.
Garland and Mitchell were disappointing the Cavs’ five-game, first-round playoff exit. They had the worst offense in the playoffs.
Garland still has room to improve. Evan Mobley could be a superstar in the making. Mitchell made the All-NBA Second Team and is just entering his prime.
Jarrett Allen is a realistic trade candidate if the Cavs want to make a notable trade that upgrades the roster in the 2023 offseason.