The Cleveland Cavaliers are under as much pressure as every other contender in the NBA. After a poor showing in their second-round series against the Pacers, experts expect the Cavaliers to make changes. General manager Mike Gansey has his hands full when it comes to his options. When considering the big moves that Cleveland could make, Jarrett Allen is the big name. However, defensive shortcomings alongside Donovan Mitchell in the backcourt have the team considering moving Darius Garland.
After Cleveland drafted him with the fifth overall pick in 2019, Garland has become a two-time All-Star. The 25-year-old joined Mitchell and Evan Mobley as the team’s representatives en route to the top seed in the Eastern Conference. However, Garland is not safe from trades this summer, according to ESPN NBA Insider Brian Windhorst.
“The interesting thing about the Cavs is [that] a year ago, there was some belief that Darius Garland may want to get traded,” Windhorst said “That was definitely out there. If Donovan [Mitchell] was extended, maybe Darius would want to get traded. I don’t think Darius Garland wants to go anywhere. I think Darius Garland is very happy with how things have developed in Cleveland, and he really likes it. He likes the role that he’s got. But I think the Cavs are listening and [are] open-minded without actively trying to think they need to change their roster.”
The rumors surrounding a potential Garland trade are louder than ever. Teams around the league could use his playmaking and shooting to lead their offense, while Cleveland needs depth. They will likely lose one of both of Ty Jerome and Sam Merrill in free agency if they don’t want to be a second apron team.
The Cavaliers’ future revolves around Mitchell and Mobley, and the team’s goal is to build around them. If Garland can fetch them some players that fit better around their All-Star duo, the point guard could find himself playing in a new city next season.
