Report: Timberwolves Could Try To Trade For Cavaliers’ Darius Garland This Summer

According to NBA insider Evan Dammarell of Right Down Euclid, the Minnesota Timberwolves could try to trade for Cleveland Cavaliers guard Darius Garland this summer.

“For Garland, meanwhile, a source shared with Right Down Euclid that a dark horse that could try to acquire him is the Minnesota Timberwolves,” Dammarell wrote. “Since 2019, when Minnesota tried to trade up to select Garland in the 2019 NBA Draft, the Timberwolves have been fans of Garland’s game and need a succession plan for current starting veteran guard Mike Conley. Garland could fit that mold perfectly and could play in harmony next to Anthony Edwards as a pass-first, score-second option in a theoretical backcourt.”

According to NBA insiders Shams Charania, Joe Vardon and Jason Lloyd of The Athletic, Rich Paul would speak with the Cavaliers about trading Garland if Donovan Mitchell signs an extension this summer. 

Paul is Garland’s agent. 

“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 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. 

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. 

Cleveland is 58-37 when Mitchell and Garland are in the lineup together. The Cavaliers acquired Mitchell from the Utah Jazz in 2022. 

With Mitchell and Garland in the backcourt, the Cavaliers lost to the New York Knicks in the first round of the 2023 playoffs, beat the Orlando Magic in the first round of the 2024 playoffs and lost to the Boston Celtics in the second round of the 2024 postseason.