During an interview with NBA reporter Tim MacMahon of ESPN, Darius Garland said he has never considered requesting a trade from the Cleveland Cavaliers.
There were rumors last offseason that Garland could ask out if the Cavaliers extended Donovan Mitchell, but it was just white noise.
“It crossed my mind. Like just literally crossed it for like five seconds,” Garland said. “But I really love this group, man. It’s like a real brotherhood. We’ve been together for three years now, four years now, and I really want to win here. I think this group has the opportunity to do something special and bring a championship back to Cleveland. And that’s what I want to do.”
The Cavaliers have the best record in the NBA. They are 48-10 under first-year head coach Kenny Atkinson.
Garland made his second All-Star team this season. He’s currently averaging 21.3 points, 2.5 rebounds and 6.7 assists while shooting 49.3% from the field, 42.5% from beyond the arc and 87.1% from the free-throw line.
“I wasn’t really too focused on all the trade talks and a lot of people saying all the other stuff about me,” Garland said. “Last year was just a tough year for myself, so I got away. I went out to L.A. just by myself almost damn near and just really locked in on my craft. It really helped me just mentally and physically to just get a clear mind, not try to worry about what all the other people are saying and Twitter fingers. Just trying to work on myself and try to get back to where I was before.”
The Cavaliers drafted Garland with the fifth overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft. The Vanderbilt product has career averages of 18.9 points, 2.6 rebounds and 6.7 assists.
With Garland, Mitchell, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen leading the way, the Cavaliers are primed to compete for this year’s championship. Cleveland is second in the NBA in points per game.
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!
