According to NBA reporter Evan Dammarell of Right Down Euclid, eight teams could try to trade for Cleveland Cavaliers guard Darius Garland.
Klutch Sports Group reportedly prefers Garland get traded if Donovan Mitchell stays with the Cavaliers, which is expected to happen.
“Things will probably come to a head in the coming days, and several league sources shared with Right Down Euclid that if Garland demands a move to an Eastern Conference team, the Orlando Magic, the Brooklyn Nets, the Washington Wizards, and the Toronto Raptors could all enter the conversation,” Dammarell wrote. “If it expands to the entire NBA, then similar sources shared that the San Antonio Spurs, Minnesota Timberwolves, the Utah Jazz and the New Orleans Pelicans could send Cleveland trade proposals.”
Garland averaged 18.0 points, 2.7 rebounds and 6.5 assists in 2023-24 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.
The Cavaliers beat the Orlando Magic in the first round of the 2024 playoffs in seven games but lost to the Boston Celtics in the second round in five games.
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.
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.”
Garland doesn’t have a no-trade clause in his contract.
Looking for the latest NBA Insider News & Rumors?
Be sure to follow Hoops Wire on TWITTER and FACEBOOK for breaking NBA News and Rumors for all 30 teams!