Report: Teams Backing Off Trade Pursuit Of Cavaliers’ Darius Garland

According to NBA insider Brian Windhorst of ESPN, teams are backing off their trade pursuit of Cleveland Cavaliers guard Darius Garland after Koby Altman’s comments.

Altman said at his season-ending press conference that he wants to keep Garland and Donovan Mitchell together. 

“There are now teams that are sort of backing off, saying well maybe Garland is not gonna be available,” – @WindhorstESPN on Koby saying he’s not trading Garland having an impact around the NBA. pic.twitter.com/LKFvg2QcqZ

— ESPN Cleveland (@ESPNCleveland) June 11, 2024

Garland averaged 18.0 points, 2.7 rebounds and 6.5 assists for the Cavaliers this season while shooting 44.6% from the field, 37.1% from beyond the arc and 83.4% from the free-throw line. He’ll make $36.7 million next season. 

NBA insiders Shams Charania, Joe Vardon and Jason Lloyd of The Athletic reported in May that Rich Paul would speak with the Cavaliers about trading Garland if Mitchell signs an extension this offseason.

“Furthermore, rival executives believe the Cavs will have to seriously evaluate the fit of Mitchell and Garland and ultimately may have to choose one or the other,” Charania, Vardon and Lloyd wrote. “Should Mitchell decide to stay long term, sources briefed on the matter say Garland’s representation, Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul, would have a conversation with Cavs officials on potentially finding a new home for the one-time All-Star.”

Mitchell is expected to sign a four-year, $208 million extension with the Cavaliers.

If Mitchell becomes a free agent in 2025, he is eligible to sign for a max of five years and $269.9 million with the team that holds his Bird rights (the Cavaliers now) or four years, $200.1 million with a new team.

The Cavaliers drafted Garland with the fifth pick in the 2019 NBA Draft. The 24-year-old has career averages of 18.4 points, 2.6 rebounds and 6.7 assists.

The Minnesota Timberwolves, New Orleans Pelicans and San Antonio Spurs are interested in trading for Garland, who doesn’t have a no-trade clause in his contract.