The Cleveland Cavaliers have made it clear: acquiring Darius Garland won’t be easy. Reports indicate that the Cavaliers are turning away all trade inquiries, setting a steep price for their talented guard.
According to Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com, “Any team asking about Garland has been turned away thus far, being told the asking price is high.” This comes despite Garland’s underwhelming performance last season and rumors about his camp considering an exit strategy if Donovan Mitchell re-signs long-term.
Earlier this month, trade rumors linked Garland to the San Antonio Spurs and New Orleans Pelicans. Ashish Mathur of Hoops Wire reported, “The San Antonio Spurs are ‘very interested’ in trading for Cleveland Cavaliers guard Darius Garland,” eyeing a dynamic pairing next to Victor Wembanyama. Additionally, Evan Dammarell noted that the Pelicans are interested in both Garland and Jarrett Allen, considering them potential pieces in a deal for Brandon Ingram.
Garland’s fifth season with the Cavaliers saw him emerge as the team’s second-best offensive player, averaging 18.0 points and leading the team with 6.5 assists per game. However, his performance dipped significantly in the 2024 NBA Playoffs. He averaged just 15.7 points per game on 42.7% shooting, with a particularly poor showing against the Orlando Magic and Boston Celtics.
Despite these playoff struggles, Garland has proven himself as one of the league’s better point guards in recent seasons. This justifies Cleveland’s high asking price for the 24-year-old star.
The Cavaliers seem determined to hold onto Garland unless they receive a substantial offer, emphasizing his value to the team despite a challenging season. With the Spurs and Pelicans showing interest, it remains to be seen if any team can meet Cleveland’s demands for their prized guard.
The ball is in the Cavaliers’ court, and for now, they’re not budging.
Cleveland’s stance on Garland reflects their belief in his potential and value. As trade talks continue, it’s clear that acquiring Garland will require a hefty offer. Whether any team will step up to the challenge remains a key storyline as the offseason progresses.
