Spurs Reportedly Have Conducted Due Diligence On Cavaliers’ Darius Garland As Potential Trade Candidate

According to Grant Afseth of NBA Analysis Network, the San Antonio Spurs have conducted due diligence on Cleveland Cavaliers guard Darius Garland as a potential trade candidate.

“Sources have informed NBA Analysis Network that the San Antonio Spurs are among various organizations that have conducted due diligence on Garland as a potential trade candidate,” Afseth wrote. “The Spurs seek a talented playmaking guard to pair with Victor Wembanyama. Some within San Antonio’s organization are believed to have more interest in Garland than Trae Young.”

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. 

Along with the Spurs, Garland has been linked to the Los Angeles Lakers and Minnesota Timberwolves. 

The Spurs need a dynamic point guard next to Wembanyama. There were too many times this season when San Antonio’s guards missed Wembanyama on open rolls to the basket and alley-oops.

Wembanyama had a terrific rookie season. He averaged 21.4 points, 10.6 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 1.2 steals and 3.6 blocks. The 20-year-old led the NBA in blocks and blocks per game.