Wizards, Magic, Wolves mentioned as potential Darius Garland suitors

Darius Garland’s name is beginning to circulate again on the trade front.

According to NBA analyst Jake Weinbach, the Timberwolves, Magic and Wizards would be among the teams viewed as potential suitors if the Cavaliers decide to listen on their All-Star point guard.

Cleveland is expected to receive multiple calls, with league executives keeping a close eye on how the Cavs look over the next several weeks.

Minnesota and Orlando have each been searching for a steady lead guard, while Washington remains in asset-accumulation mode as it tries to accelerate a long rebuild. Garland, 25, would fit different timelines for all three, albeit at a significant cost.

Garland is earning $39.4 million this season and has yet to look fully like himself following offseason toe surgery. He is averaging 15.5 points and 6.5 assists while shooting just 36.2 percent from the field and 28.2 percent from three.

The Cavs continue to believe in him, but the fit has drawn outside scrutiny as Cleveland hovers around the play-in picture.

“Some teams believe that if he was their main guy, he could be a difference maker,” HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto said. “So I think there’s going to be a lot of interest in him before this trade deadline. And if he doesn’t get moved, especially over the summer.”

Cleveland sits at 15-12, good for seventh in the East, after winning the conference a season ago.

Garland, a two-time All-Star represented by Rich Paul of Klutch Sports, has spent his entire career with the Cavs.

Whether that continues may depend on how loud the calls get and how the Cavs respond if the slide continues.