The Cleveland Cavaliers have already made one notable move ahead of the trade deadline, sending De’Andre Hunter to the Sacramento Kings in a three-team deal that also involved the Chicago Bulls. In return, Cleveland brought in veteran guard Dennis Schroder and emerging wing Keon Ellis. Schroder is expected to slot in as the backup point guard behind Darius Garland - a role that could become even more significant depending on how the next few days unfold.
Because here’s the thing: Garland’s future in Cleveland isn’t as secure as it once seemed.
According to ESPN's Brian Windhorst, the Cavs could be open to shaking up their core - and yes, that includes the possibility of moving Garland. On the Hoop Collective Podcast, Windhorst hinted that Cleveland might be willing to break up its foundational quartet if the right deal presents itself before Thursday’s deadline.
“I think there is a zone here and there are potential things that would get them to break up their core four in the next few days,” Windhorst said. “But it’s going to be threading the needle.”
When co-host Tim McMahon asked directly whether that meant Garland could be on the move, Windhorst didn’t confirm - but he didn’t deny it either. Instead, he pointed to the challenges second-apron teams like Minnesota and Phoenix faced last year when trying to make big moves at the deadline, noting that cap constraints often box teams in.
The Cavaliers aren’t boxed in just yet, but they are navigating a tricky path. Garland has had a tough go this season, battling through injuries and struggling to find his rhythm when he has been on the floor. His numbers have dipped, and his impact hasn’t matched the expectations that come with being a key piece of this team’s long-term vision.
He’s not alone in that regard. Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen have also underwhelmed, leaving Donovan Mitchell to shoulder much of the load for Cleveland this season. That’s not an ideal formula for a team with playoff aspirations - especially in an Eastern Conference that’s deeper and more competitive than it’s been in years.
Still, there’s reason for optimism. The Cavs have been playing better basketball of late, stringing together wins and climbing the standings. The addition of Schroder gives them a steady hand off the bench, and Keon Ellis brings some defensive upside on the wing.
But with the deadline looming, the front office isn’t ruling anything out. If the right offer comes along - one that helps them retool around Mitchell or reconfigure their core entirely - Garland could be part of the equation.
This is a pivotal stretch for Cleveland. The next few days could determine whether they double down on their current core or take a bold step in a new direction. Either way, the Cavs are a team to watch as the trade deadline approaches.