The Cleveland Cavaliers have been a team to keep an eye on as the offseason officially begins. They have already been active in trade talks and are sure to be active when free agency hits. Things seem to be brewing in Cleveland lately. One move that does not seem likely is the trading of starting point guard Darius Garland. Earlier today came out a report that the Cavaliers were in fact fielding offers for the young PG. Cleveland then responded by saying they have no interest in trading Darius Garland.
Is Garland On The Move?
According to BleacherReport.com, this all started with Sam Amico of HoopsWire.com reporting the Cavs would “be open” to trading Garland. The Cleveland Cavaliers are in a pretty good situation contract-wise with their players. Mitchell, Allen, and Mobley are all locked in for a few years still. Cleveland also signed Garland to a five-year $197.2 million extension last summer.
One reason the president of basketball operations Koby Altman may be looking to make a change is the Cavaliers’ embarrassing first-round exit to the New York Knicks. Mobley and Allen averaged fewer than 10 points, Mitchell and Garland shot less than 44%, and the Cavs just played badly in general.
It was also reported that the New Orleans Pelicans made a call about Jarrett Allen. It seems like those talks did not make it too far as Cleveland is hesitant to move any of their core pieces. If the Cleveland Cavaliers were to make a big trade Darius Garland is most likely their best bet. With a full five years with no player option, he would be the ideal return for another team.
CLE Is Not Shopping DG
Darius Garland is coming off his best year yet averaging 21 points per game, 7 assists, and shooting 46.2%. Garland is still very young and the former 5th overall pick will only continue to get better. The 1x all-star had 69 starts last season and averaged better numbers than his all-star campaign last season. Darius Garland is the real deal and Cleveland knows that. It would be very surprising if Cleveland moved on from Garland this off-season, but anything can happen.
The Cavs are still looking for that one piece to get them over that hill. Cleveland made a huge trade last offseason by bringing in Donovan Mitchell, but can they pull it off again? Only time will tell as free agency opens on the 30th. Will Cleveland make the necessary upgrades? Or will they run it back with the same squad?
Image Credits: YouTube.com/ClevelandCavaliers.