If the Cleveland Cavaliers are going to make a splash before the Feb. 5 trade deadline, it doesn’t look like it’ll involve their core four - Darius Garland, Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen. But that doesn’t mean big decisions aren’t looming. Even if the Cavs hold firm through the deadline, there’s a growing sense that a shakeup could be on the table this offseason.
Still, if Cleveland does pivot and decides to explore the market for Garland before the deadline, one team that makes a lot of sense as a trade partner is the Miami Heat. Miami has already been linked to other scoring point guards - including recent interest in Ja Morant - so Garland, a dynamic offensive weapon with All-Star pedigree, would certainly fit the bill.
Let’s walk through a hypothetical deal: Garland to the Heat in exchange for Jaime Jaquez Jr., Pelle Larsson, and Terry Rozier’s expiring contract. On paper, it checks out financially. But there’s a wrinkle - and it centers on Rozier’s eligibility to be traded.
Rozier’s legal situation, tied to gambling allegations, complicates things. According to reporting from December, the Heat would need league approval before they could include Rozier in any trade. So far, the NBA hasn’t confirmed whether Rozier is eligible to be moved, only saying that it would review any proposed deal involving him on a case-by-case basis.
That uncertainty clouds the waters. But for the sake of exploring this scenario, let’s assume the league greenlights Rozier’s inclusion. If that happens, this becomes a trade worth serious consideration for Cleveland - largely because of what Jaquez brings to the table.
Why Jaime Jaquez Jr. Could Be a Home Run for Cleveland
Jaquez might not be a household name yet, but he’s quickly building a reputation as one of the most promising young wings in the league. He’s tough, skilled, plays both ends of the floor, and has that high-IQ, do-it-all game that coaches love. Erik Spoelstra has leaned on him heavily in Miami, and there’s every reason to believe Kenny Atkinson would do the same in Cleveland.
But it’s not just the talent - it’s the value. Jaquez is on a rookie-scale contract, making $3.9 million this season with a $5.9 million team option next year. That’s the kind of deal front offices dream about: high-level production at a bargain price.
Now pair that with Jaylon Tyson, another young wing on a team-friendly deal ($3.5 million this year, with team options of $3.7 million and $5.6 million in the following two seasons), and suddenly the Cavs are looking at a potent, cost-controlled duo on the wing. That’s especially appealing when you factor in the financial weight of De’Andre Hunter and Max Strus, who are slated to earn a combined $42 million next season.
From a roster-building perspective, swapping Garland for Jaquez and Rozier’s expiring deal could open up a lot of flexibility. It could even pave the way for Altman to explore moving off one or both of Hunter and Strus, freeing up cap space and giving the Cavs a younger, more versatile core.
What Cleveland Gives Up - and What They Gain
Let’s be clear: trading Garland would be a major move. He’s been a foundational piece of this rebuild, and his shot creation, passing, and ability to stretch defenses have been central to Cleveland’s offensive identity. Moving on from him would mark the end of an era - but it might also mark the beginning of a smarter, more balanced one.
In this scenario, the Cavs would be betting on Jaquez’s ceiling, Tyson’s continued development, and the long-term benefits of financial flexibility. They’d also be positioning themselves to build a roster that better complements Mitchell and Mobley - assuming both remain part of the long-term picture.
And for Miami, the deal is equally intriguing. Garland gives them another high-level scorer and playmaker, someone who can carry the offense in stretches and fit alongside Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo. If the Heat are serious about making a push in the East, adding Garland could be a needle-mover.
Bottom Line
It’s unclear whether the Cavs will actually shop Garland before the deadline - all signs still point to them riding out the season with their core intact. But if they do decide to test the waters, Miami is a team to watch. And if the league clears Rozier for trade, a deal centered around Jaquez could end up being a win-win - with Cleveland walking away younger, more flexible, and potentially even better.