Nets, Lakers, Magic, Spurs Urged To Trade For Darius Garland

One NBA analyst has urged the Brooklyn Nets, Los Angeles Lakers, Orlando Magic and San Antonio Spurs to attempt to trade for Cleveland Cavaliers guard Darius Garland.

Greg Swartz of Bleacher Report named Garland a trade target for the Nets, Lakers, Magic and Spurs. 

“Garland, 24, has four years remaining on his deal and could thrive in a bigger offensive role next to Cam Thomas in Brooklyn,” Swartz wrote in his NBA column. “The year before the Cavs traded for Donovan Mitchell, Garland was an All-Star who averaged 21.7 points and 8.6 assists per game.”

Garland averaged 18.0 points, 2.7 rebounds, 6.5 assists, 1.3 steals and 0.1 blocks last season for the Cavaliers in 57 games 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.

“Garland, like LeBron James and Anthony Davis, is a Klutch client who would bring some stability to the point guard position with the Lakers,” Swartz wrote. “The 24-year-old is a terrific passer who would also benefit off open three-point looks when James operates with the ball.”

Cleveland drafted Garland with the fifth overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft. The 24-year-old, represented by Rich Paul of Klutch Sports Group, has career averages of 18.4 points, 2.6 rebounds, 6.7 assists, 1.2 steals and 0.1 blocks.

“Garland isn’t quite as exciting as LaMelo Ball or Trae Young, but he’s still a really talented scorer and playmaker who fits Orlando’s timeline at age 24,” Swartz wrote. “He’d also likely cost less in a trade and weaken a Cavs team that took out the Magic in the playoffs last season.”

Garland doesn’t have a no-trade clause in his contract, so he can’t control his future. 

“The Spurs called about Garland this summer according to Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports, a player they could revisit closer to the deadline especially if Chris Paul gets moved to a championship contender,” Swartz wrote. “Garland, 24, is young enough to pair with Victor Wembanyama for the next decade-plus and would allow rookie Stephon Castle to focus more on his scoring and defense without worrying about making plays for others.”