Source: Spurs ‘Very Interested’ In Acquiring Darius Garland From Cavaliers

The San Antonio Spurs are “very interested” in trading for Cleveland Cavaliers guard Darius Garland, an NBA source told Hoops Wire. 

The Spurs want to acquire a dynamic point guard and pair him next to Victor Wembanyama, the source said.

There were too many times this season when San Antonio’s guards missed Wembanyama on open rolls to the basket and alley-oops.

Although the Spurs have been heavily linked to Atlanta Hawks guards Dejounte Murray and Trae Young, San Antonio’s front office and scouting team have conducted “strong” due diligence on Garland as a potential trade candidate, the source said. 

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.

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 offseason. 

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.”

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

Wembanyama and Devin Vassell are the only players on the Spurs who have been deemed untouchable in trade talks, the source said.