The Cleveland Cavaliers came into the 2025-26 season with expectations rooted in recent regular-season success. But so far, things haven’t quite clicked. At 17-14, the Cavs are hovering in seventh place in the Eastern Conference - a noticeable slide from the top-tier positioning they’ve grown accustomed to in recent years.
And it’s not just the record that’s raising eyebrows. Cleveland has dropped games they were expected to win, including a loss to a Golden State Warriors squad missing both Steph Curry and Jimmy Butler. That was followed by a 16-point drubbing from the Chicago Bulls - a game that felt less like an off night and more like a flashing warning sign.
So, naturally, the question becomes: is it time for the Cavs to shake things up?
One name that continues to surface in trade speculation is Darius Garland. The 2019 fifth overall pick has been a cornerstone of Cleveland’s rebuild, evolving into one of the league’s more dynamic young point guards. But with Donovan Mitchell firmly entrenched as the Cavs’ lead star - and with Garland often playing a secondary role - the fit has never been entirely seamless.
Now, there’s growing buzz that Garland may be looking for a change.
According to league intel, several NBA teams believe Garland would prefer to return to a situation where he can run his own show, rather than continuing in a supporting role alongside Mitchell. One source described Garland as “the safest option on the trade market for a team seeking a point guard upgrade,” adding that multiple teams believe he’s capable of handling a larger offensive load.
That’s not a small endorsement. Garland’s skill set - smooth handle, creative playmaking, and a confident pull-up game - makes him an intriguing option for any team looking to build around a young lead guard. And with Cleveland stuck in a bit of a holding pattern, the idea of breaking up the Garland-Mitchell backcourt isn’t just a hypothetical anymore - it might be the most logical path forward.
If the Cavs decide to explore the trade market, Garland could command a significant return. He’s still young, under contract, and has already proven he can be a primary offensive engine. For a team in need of a floor general with upside, that’s a rare combination.
Of course, moving on from a homegrown talent like Garland wouldn’t be easy. He’s been a key figure in Cleveland’s resurgence, and there’s still a belief that the current core could make noise if things break right. But with the team underperforming and the Eastern Conference as competitive as ever, the Cavs may have to ask themselves some tough questions - and Garland’s future could be at the center of those conversations.