The Cleveland Cavaliers have to consider all of their options in the offseason.
They had their best season since LeBron James left, but again couldn’t get past the second round of the playoffs.
With that in mind, some analysts believe they might be open to trading Darius Garland.
NBA insider Jake Weinbach recently named one Western Conference team to watch regarding Garland.
“I would keep an eye on the [New Orleans] Pelicans as a potential suitor for Darius Garland with Cleveland reportedly fielding trade calls. New Orleans is truly keen on building around Zion Williamson and will be focused on returning to playoff contention under new management,” Weinbach wrote on X.
I would keep an eye on the Pelicans as a potential suitor for Darius Garland with Cleveland reportedly fielding trade calls.
New Orleans is truly keen on building around Zion Williamson and will be focused on returning to playoff contention under new management.
— Jake Weinbach (@JWeinbachNBA) June 8, 2025
Of course, the Cavaliers should not be desperate to ditch Garland or give him up for spare parts.
However, the Pelicans might have the kind of role players the Cavs need.
Trey Murphy III would be a wonderful addition because of his defensive prowess and versatility.
The Cavs could also look to target Jose Alvarado and Yves Missi, as they’re both on team-friendly contracts, and Cleveland needs to add players on cheap deals.
The Cavs are on the verge of real championship contention, and Garland has been mostly good for them.
Then again, after watching him be a non-factor in the playoffs in three consecutive years and struggle in yet another elimination game, plus the doubts about his fit next to Donovan Mitchell, it might be time to pull the plug.
If the Cavs can get a fair value in return, they should strongly consider putting this current experiment to bed and playing Mitchell next to a more traditional or defensively minded point guard.
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