The Cleveland Cavaliers are yet to make a move this summer. Multiple teams around the NBA have gotten their offseasons off to a quick start, with players changing teams ahead of the NBA Draft.
One of the more discussed members of Cleveland’s roster, in terms of trade talk, has been Darius Garland. The All-Star guard is seen as a potential trade candidate if the right deal materializes.
According to Bleacher Report’s Zach Buckley, the New Orleans Pelicans could be a legitimate landing spot for Garland after the draft.
“If the Pelicans could get Garland and actually have a healthy season from Zion Williamson, they’d immediately have one of the league’s top offensive tandems,” Buckley wrote. “They could work pick-and-roll magic together and would be a complementary fit even they weren’t, since both are capable creators and ignitable finishers.”
Garland’s fit with the Pelicans is clear. However, it’s unlikely the Western Conference franchise makes a move to pry him away from Cleveland. Koby Altman won’t lose Garland for cheap, and the Pelicans likely have other area’s of need to address this summer.
Garland Recently Underwent Surgery
A big reason why the Cavaliers are unlikely to part with Garland is due to his current injury status. On June 9, it was reported that he had undergone surgery to fix an issue on his left big toe. Therefore, he is expected to be out of action for the next four to five months. As such, he may not be ready for the start of the 2025-26 season.
“Cleveland Cavaliers All-Star guard Darius Garland had surgery Monday to repair the left big toe injury that troubled him during the playoffs and is expected to miss four to five months,” ESPN’s Shams Charania and Brian Windhorst reported.
Garland played in 75 games for the Cavaliers this season. He averaged 20.6 points, 2.9 rebounds and 6.7 assists, shooting 47.2% from the field and 40.1% from 3-point range.
Cavaliers Almost Traded Garland for Kevin Durant
In a recent appearance on ESPN Cleveland, Windhorst reported that the Phoenix Suns were willing to discuss a trade involving Kevin Durant and Garland.
“The Suns, from what I’m told, reached out and had interest in Garland,” Windhorst said. “It was not the Cavs who wanted to trade Garland. The Cavs said the only way they would ever consider this would be if the Suns sent Kevin Durant plus other assets…And the Suns didn’t hang up the phone. I’ll just point out that the Suns own the Cavs’ 2029 first-round pick because they got it from the Jazz last year. And getting back your own picks in the distant future is somewhat attractive.”
Durant was ultimately traded to the Houston Rockets. Garland remains with the Cavaliers. Nevertheless, Garland’s trade value is clearly higher than many fans and media members expected.
Due to his injury status, it’s unclear whether other teams will register their interest in Garland this summer. However, if they do, Altman will likely slap a significant price tag on him. After all, he’s a 25-year-old two-time All-Star. Players of that caliber aren’t available at a discount. Unless, of course, they request a trade, which Garland is unlikely to do.
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