Report: Klutch Sports Group Prefers Darius Garland Remain In Eastern Conference

According to NBA insider Matt Moore of The Action Network, Klutch Sports Group prefers Darius Garland remain in the Eastern Conference. 

Garland and his camp may request a trade from the Cleveland Cavaliers if Donovan Mitchell signs an extension this offseason. 

Mitchell is expected to sign a four-year extension with the Cavaliers. 

“League sources have said the Cavaliers have shown no urgency to move Garland,” Moore wrote. “However, several league sources independently noted this week that they expect Klutch Sports to prefer a trade for Garland if Mitchell is re-signed. That’d give Garland the most opportunity to grow and there’s an expectation they would prefer a move to stay in the East to give Garland a better opportunity at an All-Star appearance to boost his earning potential.

“Now, that might be rival front offices stirring trouble where there is none, and Garland is signed with the Cavaliers through 2028. The Cavaliers simply aren’t leveraged. The question is more about how that dynamic plays out if Garland prefers to go somewhere where he’d be the primary ballhandler. San Antonio has long been described as a perfect fit, but again, if the preference is for him to stay in the East, that’s not doable.”

Garland averaged 18.0 points, 2.7 rebounds and 6.5 assists this season for the Cavaliers 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.

The Minnesota Timberwolves, New Orleans Pelicans and San Antonio Spurs are interested in trading for Garland, who doesn’t have a no-trade clause in his contract. 

NBA insiders Shams Charania, Joe Vardon and Jason Lloyd of The Athletic reported in May that Rich Paul would speak with the Cavaliers about trading Garland if Mitchell signs an extension this offseason.

“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.”