Trade Proposal Sends Darius Garland To Lakers, Austin Reaves And Rui Hachimura To Cavaliers

ESPN NBA front office insider Bobby Marks proposed a trade idea between the Los Angeles Lakers and Cleveland Cavaliers. 

Marks proposed that the Lakers trade Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura to the Cavaliers for Darius Garland.

“If the Cavaliers do make Darius Garland available, one trade that could make sense would be a package centered around the Los Angeles Lakers’ Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura,” Marks wrote. “Reaves’ shooting skills would complement Donovan Mitchell, and Hachimura gives the Cavaliers depth in the frontcourt if they look to trade Jarrett Allen.”

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 Mitchell signs an extension this summer. 

Paul is Garland’s agent. He also represents Lakers stars LeBron James and Anthony Davis. 

“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 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. 

Reaves averaged 15.9 points, 4.3 rebounds and 5.5 assists this season while shooting 48.6% from the field, 36.7% from 3 and 85.3% from the free-throw line, while Hachimura averaged 13.6 points, 4.3 rebounds and 1.2 assists while shooting 53.7% overall, 42.2% from 3 and 73.9% from the foul line. 

During an interview with NBA reporter Chris Haynes of Bleacher Report, Paul was asked if Garland would request a trade from the Cavaliers if Mitchell signed an extension.

As expected, Paul played coy. 

“There is not much to say,” Paul said. “I think people have their own opinions of what works and what doesn’t work. For me, I think people around the league know and you definitely know this about me, I’m very matter of fact with my approach on everything. If there was something to be discussed, I would discuss it.

“As of now, there’s nothing to discuss on that. My job is to evaluate every situation for every guy that we as a company represent. I’m a representative of players and I help advise them on business decisions. It’s a lot more to it than just negotiating a contract after four years. Some guys choose to do that and only focus on that. I’m different. I try to look at everything.”