The Cleveland Cavaliers don’t have a lot of margin to make big additions in the offseason.
As things stand now, they might even have a hard time holding onto their own free agents.
That’s why the best path to improve this roster might come in the form of a trade.
With that in mind, Cavs insider Chris Fedor proposed a transaction that would send Darius Garland to the Minnesota Timberwolves in return for solid rotational pieces:
Trade Terms:
Cavs Get: Jaden McDaniels, Terrance Shannon Jr., Donte DiVincenzo
Timberwolves Get: Darius Garland“Minnesota has been a long-time Garland admirer — even going back to 2019 draft night — and it needs shot creation alongside Anthony Edwards. Perhaps being surrounded by dogged, lengthy perimeter defenders and the league’s preeminent rim protector (Rudy Gobert) will help Garland?” Fedor wrote. “In this case, the Cavs get three rotational pieces, including a proven playoff performer (McDaniels) and the sharpshooting DiVincenzo who has not only been on their trade target list in the past but has familiarity with Atkinson from their one year in Golden State together.”
Granted, none of the players they get can make up for Garland’s three-level scoring and playmaking, and they will still have to find a starting point guard.
Nevertheless, they would be getting two bona fide and proven playoff performers in DiVincenzo and McDaniels.
They’re both tough, gritty, and play physical defense and can knock down threes, making them perfect fits for this roster.
Shannon Jr. showed plenty of signs of promise in limited runs in the playoffs.
The Cavs should listen to offers for Garland, even if this one in particular may not be in their best interests.
There have always been doubts about whether Garland can coexist or get to the next level with Donovan Mitchell by his side.
Mitchell is untouchable and clearly the better player.
Garland can fetch some decent value in return, and the Cavs would still be fairly competitive with the remaining pieces.
Given Garland’s long history of injuries, the team has grown used to winning and competing without him, and after another disappointing outing in the playoffs, nothing should be off the table.
NEXT: Insider Reveals Major Update On How Cavs Are Approaching The Offseason
