Cavs Receiving Calls On Darius Garland, Refusing To Lower Asking Price

While the Cavaliers appear more open to moving Darius Garland this summer than in previous offseasons, they won’t just give him away. Far from it.

Instead, the Cavs actually seem more determined to keep Garland, keep the Core Four together, and see what transpires after a 64-18 season. 

For the record, the Cavs continue to take trade calls on Garland, as Hoops Wire has reported and as also relayed by Terry Pluto of Cleveland.com. Pluto noted there’s a sense that opposing teams are seeing if Cleveland will lower its asking price for the two-time All-Star point guard after his offseason toe surgery. The Cavaliers, however, aren’t budging.

“The Cavs’ stance is, ‘Why do that? Let’s see how he looks after the surgery,'” Pluto wrote. “The Cavs believe the loss to Indiana in the playoffs showed the need for Garland to handle the pressing defense. Garland played in some of the games, but was hurting and couldn’t move well.”

Sources have told Hoops Wire that the Cavs aren’t looking to trade anyone from the nucleus of Garland, Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley, or Jarrett Allen. Garland could miss some time to start the season following the surgery.

“If the Cavs do decide to trade Garland, it perhaps would make more sense to first see how he performs when he is back on the court,” Pluto wrote. “Coming back from surgery and having three years and $127 million left on his maximum contract is why the Cavs aren’t receiving any eye-popping offers for the guard.”

Instead, they’re more likely to explore moves around the edges of the roster. As relayed here and here, the Cavaliers are reportedly looking at possible trades involving forward Dean Wade and wing Isaac Okoro.

“They are looking for rotation players, guys who can come off the bench and be effective in the regular season and the playoffs,” Pluto wrote. “For example, Isaac Okoro has been a solid player in the regular season, but his lack of offense has been a major problem in the playoffs. Opposing teams just ignore him when he has the ball.”

RELATED | Cavs’ core intact? Insider preaches calm amid trade rumors