CLEVELAND – The Cleveland Cavaliers face a crossroads this offseason. They boast a 64-win roster. Yet they bowed out early again. Now they ponder bigger changes. The buzz centers on their All-Star guard, Darius Garland. According to the NBA insider account on X, NBA Trade Report, the Cavaliers are taking trade calls for Garland.
The Cavaliers Are Taking Trade Calls For Their 2025 All-Star, Darius Garland
Rumors Swirl in Cleveland
On ESPN Cleveland, Brian Windhorst dropped a bomb. He said the Cavs “might” move Garland. He added that Cleveland remains open.
Garland averaged 20.6 points and 6.7 assists. He also grabbed 2.9 rebounds per game. He led them to the East’s top seed. Yet the playoffs exposed vulnerabilities. A sprained toe sidelined him in the postseason. The Cavs lost two crucial games without him.
Playoff Performance and What It Revealed
In the first round, Cleveland beat Miami. Then Indiana ended their run in five games. Without Garland, the offense sputtered. Coach Kenny Atkinson lost his top playmaker. Donovan Mitchell carried the load admirably. But Mitchell needed shots from beyond the arc. The team missed Garland’s ballhandling skills.
During Game 4 vs. the Pacers, the Cavs fell hard. Analysts pointed to bench weaknesses. They noted defensive lapses. They warned about the salary cap. Failing to protect their rookie coach’s work hurt the franchise’s hopes.
Why the Cavs Might Listen
The front office crunched the numbers. They saw a $218 million payroll staring back. The Cavs sensed the second tax apron looming. They questioned long-term sustainability. Now the team surveys options. Trade calls involving Darius Garland is more than talk. It’s a pragmatic step.
Garland carries a max deal. So does Mitchell. Evan Mobley’s salary will jump next season. Jarrett Allen and De’Andre Hunter fill out expensive contracts. Ty Jerome and Sam Merrill may leave. Still, the cap stress remains.
Potential Trade Fits
Teams crave playmakers. Garland fits that bill perfectly. His absence reshaped Cleveland’s offense. A move could bring back a defensive stopper. Or a future draft pick package. His value shows in how the Cavs are already taking trade calls for Garland. Contenders seek shot-creators for deep playoff runs.
Orlando and Houston need backcourt upgrades. They could offer role players plus picks. Cleveland could pivot to a fresh identity.
Risks and Rewards
Trading Garland brings risks. The offense would shift heavily onto Mitchell. He’s dealt with injuries before. Losing Garland’s 20-point scoring average hurts. Losing his 6.7 assists per game stings. Yet a package haul could reset Cleveland’s timeline.
Cleveland has missed the Conference Finals since 2019. They’ve exited in earlier rounds three years straight. At some point, repeating the same core grows stale. That’s why trade calls for Darius Garland are gaining momentum.
What Fans Should Expect
Expect trade chatter to ramp up. Rumors will dominate summer headlines. Atkinson’s staff will evaluate suitors. Front office meetings will grow tense. Fans will debate on social media. They’ll wonder if Garland’s departure spells doom or renewal.
Cleveland might accept a lateral swap. Or go for a clear upgrade. But they won’t stand pat. This team craves another Finals run. They know they must adapt.
Looking Ahead
The 2025–26 season could look very different. Mitchell remains untouchable. Mobley also seems off-limits, barring a blockbuster. That leaves Garland as the most movable star. The Cavs have time to finalize plans. They have cap space headaches to solve first.
One thing’s clear: the Cavaliers will take calls for Darius Garland all summer. Their loyalty to Garland matters less than their title aspirations. They can’t let financial rules box them in. They must choose between holding on or hitting reset.
Whatever Cleveland decides, the decision will shape their next championship chase. Fans will watch every move. The Cavaliers know one truth: in today’s NBA, bold moves breed big rewards.
© Nate Ulrich / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
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