The Cleveland Cavaliers are facing some serious questions as the season progresses, and the trade winds are beginning to swirl around two of their biggest names: Darius Garland and Jarrett Allen.
Let’s start with Garland. The 24-year-old guard, a two-time All-Star, is reportedly drawing interest from teams across the league - and not just because of his talent. According to league sources, there’s a growing perception that Garland may be looking for a bigger role, potentially as the primary option on a team rather than playing second fiddle to Donovan Mitchell in Cleveland’s backcourt.
That’s a key distinction. Garland has shown he can run an offense - we saw it during his breakout 2021-22 season - and teams see him as a dynamic lead guard with far less baggage than some of the other big-name point guards who might be available.
Compared to players like Ja Morant, LaMelo Ball, or Trae Young, Garland is viewed as a lower-risk, high-upside option. He’s smart, skilled, and still developing.
Two teams to keep an eye on? The Minnesota Timberwolves and Sacramento Kings. Both have reportedly expressed interest in Garland, and both have very real reasons to pursue a player of his caliber.
In Minnesota, the idea is to give Anthony Edwards some help in the backcourt - someone who can initiate the offense and take pressure off the rising star. The Wolves are off to a strong start, sitting fifth in the West, and clearly see themselves as contenders. Garland could be a piece that pushes them further.
Then there’s Sacramento. With De’Aaron Fox no longer in the picture, the Kings are still searching for long-term stability at the point guard spot. Garland fits the mold: young, under contract, and capable of leading a team.
But here’s the catch - and it’s a big one. Garland is in Year 3 of a five-year, $197 million deal.
That’s a significant financial commitment, and it makes any potential trade complicated. Sacramento and Minnesota would need to get creative to match salary and assets, especially since Cleveland isn’t exactly in sell mode.
They’re looking to retool, not rebuild.
Garland’s production this season has taken a hit, partly due to a lingering toe injury that’s limited him to just 13 games. He’s averaging 16.9 points per game - his lowest mark since his rookie year - and shooting a career-worst 37.9% from the field.
That includes just 32.2% from beyond the arc. Not ideal numbers, but teams know what he’s capable of when healthy.
And Garland isn’t the only Cavalier in the rumor mill.
Jarrett Allen, the team’s rim-protecting, high-efficiency big man, is also drawing interest. Like Garland, Allen has been a key part of Cleveland’s recent success, but there’s a sense that the Cavs may be open to reshaping their roster around Donovan Mitchell. That could mean moving one or both of their other core pieces - if the right deal comes along.
But don’t expect Cleveland to let Allen go for cheap. The front office is reportedly holding out for an “irresistible” offer.
Allen is just 25, a former All-Star, and one of the better defensive anchors in the league. He’s also on a team-friendly deal compared to many starting centers.
There’s interest, but the Cavs aren’t looking to make life easier for another Eastern Conference rival unless the return is too good to pass up.
As of Monday, Cleveland sits at 15-14 - not exactly where they hoped to be in a wide-open Eastern Conference. Expectations were high coming into the season, and while injuries have played a role, the results haven’t matched the talent on paper.
The Cavaliers are still in the mix, but with the trade deadline creeping closer and the pressure mounting, decisions loom. Whether it’s Garland, Allen, or someone else, Cleveland is clearly weighing its options. The next few weeks could reshape the future of this team - and maybe the balance of power in the East.