What’s Next for Darius Garland and the Cavaliers? A Crossroads in Cleveland
There’s a growing murmur around the league that Darius Garland might be ready to take the reins of an offense again-solo. According to some front office chatter, there’s a belief that Garland could be open to leading his own team, rather than operating in a supporting role next to Donovan Mitchell. It’s not a full-blown trade demand, but it’s enough to get teams dialing Cleveland’s front office.
And here’s the kicker: Garland is being viewed by some executives as the “safest” option on the market for teams looking to upgrade at point guard. That’s not nothing. Especially when you consider how hard it is to find a young, All-Star caliber floor general who can run an offense, shoot, and distribute at a high level.
So, where does that leave the Cavaliers?
The Cavs’ Dilemma: No Easy Answers
Let’s be clear-this isn’t a team in full-blown crisis, but it is one that’s underperforming relative to expectations. The start to this season has been rocky, and while there are plenty of reasons for that, Garland’s return from injury hasn’t exactly smoothed things over. Defensively, he’s been a step slow, and offensively, the chemistry that once looked promising with Mitchell has felt more disjointed.
That said, moving Garland midseason would be a massive move-and one that comes with real risk. You’re not just trading a talented player; you’re potentially shifting the identity of the team.
Shams Charania recently reported that only Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley are considered untouchable in trade talks. That opens the door, at least in theory, for the Cavs to entertain offers for Garland. And according to reports, they’ve been getting plenty of calls.
But this isn’t just about fielding offers. This is about whether Garland is still the right fit for what Cleveland is building.
What Garland Brings-and What’s Missing
When Garland and Mitchell first teamed up, the fit looked better than many expected. Garland embraced the role of facilitator, letting Mitchell handle the bulk of the scoring load. It wasn’t perfect, but it worked well enough to push Cleveland into the upper tier of the East last season.
This year, though, the formula hasn’t clicked the same way. Some of that is on Garland, who’s still working his way back from injury. Some of it is on the supporting cast, which hasn’t provided the kind of spacing or defensive help needed to make the backcourt duo thrive.
The obvious concern is on the defensive end. Pairing two smaller guards always comes with trade-offs, and when those trade-offs aren’t being masked by elite offensive production or a lockdown frontcourt, the cracks start to show. That’s where Cleveland finds itself now-trying to patch holes without tearing down the foundation.
If a Change Is Coming, It Might Not Start in the Backcourt
If Cleveland’s core four-Garland, Mitchell, Mobley, and Jarrett Allen-is headed for a shake-up, it doesn’t have to start with Garland. There’s a strong argument to be made that the frontcourt could use a retool first. Maybe it’s time to rethink the Allen-Mobley pairing, or to add more dynamic play on the wings.
The point is, this team isn’t one player away from contention, but it’s also not a teardown candidate. There’s a middle ground here, and patience might be the best play.
Timing Is Everything
Even if the Cavs were to explore a Garland trade, now might not be the right moment. Selling low on a player of his caliber-especially one who’s still finding his rhythm after injury-rarely ends well.
Garland has already proven he can be a high-level contributor in the right setup. Trading him midseason, while his value is down and the team is still figuring itself out, could end up being more reactive than strategic.
The smarter play? Ride out the season.
See how the roster evolves. And if things still don’t click, then you reassess in the summer, when the market opens up and the Cavs can operate from a position of strength.
Garland’s future in Cleveland may be uncertain, but one thing’s clear: any decision the Cavs make here will shape the trajectory of this team for years to come. And in a league where windows open and close fast, that’s not a move you rush.