Report: ‘It Is Believed’ Darius Garland Will Request Trade If Donovan Mitchell Signs Extension With Cavaliers

According to NBA insider Marc Stein, “it is believed” Darius Garland will request a trade if Donovan Mitchell signs an extension with the Cleveland Cavaliers. 

Rich Paul of Klutch Sports Group is Garland’s agent. 

“The Cavaliers remain hopeful that Mitchell, 27, agrees to a sign a four-year contract extension worth nearly $210 million after the NBA Finals … though it is believed that scenario could prompt Rich Paul-repped Garland to seek a trade,” Stein wrote. 

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. 

The Cavaliers signed Garland to a five-year, $197 million extension in July 2022. The guard will make $36.7 million next season.

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 this summer. 

Paul gave Haynes a detailed answer. 

“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.”

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. 

“You try to position guys a certain way to continue to have value,” Paul said. “It’s the same way I go about the draft. I think you know that as well. I’m not really focused on certain things in terms of rankings. The league is one that is fluid. It doesn’t stop for nobody. It continues to move on.

“And so these guys have to make sure they understand that having the talent they have, and the production, allows them to maintain value. That value transitions into compensation and when you sum it all up, it’s really just a good ass job and sometimes you have to protect that for as long as you can. That’s where my mindset is for all the guys. No matter if they’re a max player or a minimum guy. My job is to prepare, educate and execute for my clients.”

Garland has been linked to the San Antonio Spurs, Minnesota Timberwolves and Los Angeles Lakers in NBA trade rumors.