Darius Garland’s name is back in the NBA trade conversation - and this time, there’s real smoke.
According to league buzz, the Timberwolves, Magic, and Wizards are among the teams keeping close tabs on the Cavaliers’ All-Star point guard, should Cleveland decide to open the phone lines. With the trade deadline creeping closer, execs around the league are watching the Cavs closely, waiting to see if their stance on Garland softens.
Let’s break down why Garland’s situation is drawing so much attention - and why teams with very different trajectories are circling.
Why Garland’s Market Is Heating Up
First, the basics: Garland is 25 years old, a two-time All-Star, and carries a $39.4 million salary this season. That’s a hefty number, but not out of line for a player with his résumé. The intrigue, though, is layered.
He’s coming off offseason toe surgery and hasn’t quite looked like the dynamic lead guard we’ve seen in past seasons. Through the early part of this year, he’s averaging 15.5 points and 6.5 assists while shooting just 36.2% from the field and a rough 28.2% from deep. Those numbers are well below his career norms - especially for a player known for his smooth shooting stroke and pick-and-roll savvy.
But here’s the thing: around the league, there’s still a belief that if Garland were given the keys as a true No. 1 option, he could thrive. As one insider put it, “Some teams believe that if he was their main guy, he could be a difference maker.” That kind of upside - especially at a position as crucial as point guard - is why you’re seeing multiple teams lining up with interest.
The Teams in the Mix
Minnesota has been searching for a long-term answer at point guard, and Garland would bring a different dynamic to a team that’s already built around size, defense, and Anthony Edwards’ explosive scoring. Plugging in a high-IQ, floor-spacing guard who can run the offense could be the kind of move that takes the Wolves from contender to serious Finals threat.
Orlando is another team where the fit makes a lot of sense. They’ve got a deep, versatile frontcourt and a budding star in Paolo Banchero, but they’re still lacking that steady hand at the point. Garland could be the guy to unlock the next level of their offense - someone who can control tempo, hit shots, and elevate the young core around him.
Washington, meanwhile, is in a very different place. The Wizards are in asset-collection mode, knee-deep in a rebuild.
But Garland, even with his contract, represents a potential foundational piece - someone who could grow alongside their young talent and give the franchise a real direction. It would take a haul to get him, but Washington has the flexibility and patience to make a move like that.
Where Cleveland Stands
The Cavaliers aren’t actively shopping Garland, but they’re not shutting down calls either. At 15-12, they’re seventh in the East - a far cry from last year’s top-of-the-conference finish.
And while the front office still believes in Garland, the fit has become a talking point. With Donovan Mitchell also in the backcourt, questions have lingered about how well the two coexist, especially defensively and in crunch-time offensive sets.
That’s not to say Cleveland is ready to blow things up. But with the trade deadline approaching and Mitchell’s long-term future still uncertain, the Cavs are in a spot where every option has to be on the table. Garland, as a homegrown All-Star with years left on his deal, is one of their most valuable chips - and that’s why teams are circling.
What’s Next?
Don’t expect a deal tomorrow. But keep an eye on how Garland performs in the coming weeks.
If he starts to find his rhythm post-surgery, his value only goes up. And if Cleveland continues to hover around the play-in line, the pressure to make a move could intensify.
Whether it’s before the deadline or in the offseason, Garland’s future in Cleveland is officially something to watch. The league knows it - and the calls are already coming in.