Darius Garland’s Trade Market Heats Up - But the Cavaliers Aren’t Budging (Yet)
Darius Garland’s name might be floating around front offices across the league, but don’t expect the Cavaliers to start fielding offers anytime soon. According to league sources, Cleveland has shut down trade inquiries on their 25-year-old point guard - at least for now. Still, that hasn’t stopped teams from watching the situation closely, waiting to see if the Cavs’ stance changes as the February 5 trade deadline creeps closer.
Among the teams keeping tabs? The Sacramento Kings.
The Kings have been on the hunt for a long-term answer at point guard for months, and Garland, a two-time All-Star, fits the mold of the kind of player who could elevate their backcourt. Minnesota is another team reportedly in the market for a lead guard, but there’s a big difference between interest and feasibility - and that’s where things get complicated.
Both Minnesota and Cleveland are navigating the constraints of the NBA’s salary cap and tax apron restrictions, which makes pulling off a blockbuster deal far from simple. Even if the Cavs were open to moving Garland, crafting a package that makes sense financially and competitively would be a tall order for either team.
Beyond the logistics, there’s the question of Garland’s role in Cleveland. Around the league, there’s a growing sense that he might be looking for a bigger slice of the offensive pie - especially with Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley commanding so much attention. Some rival executives reportedly believe Garland could thrive with more responsibility, and they view him as one of the safer bets among the big-name point guards who’ve surfaced in trade chatter this season.
“Darius is the safest option on the trade market for a team seeking a point guard upgrade,” one source told DallasHoopsJournal.com. “There are teams who think he can handle more being put on his plate.”
That belief is rooted in more than just potential - it’s built on what Garland has already shown when healthy. But that’s been the sticking point this season.
Garland missed the first seven games after offseason toe surgery, then aggravated the same injury shortly after returning, sidelining him for another five contests. In his first 12 games back, he didn’t look like himself.
He was clearly limited, struggling to find rhythm and mobility, and it showed in his production.
But there’s reason to believe he’s turning the corner.
In a recent outing - a loss to Houston - Garland exploded for 35 points on 14-of-27 shooting, along with eight assists. That performance came with Mitchell sidelined due to illness, and Garland looked more like the All-Star version of himself: confident, aggressive, and in control. After the game, he acknowledged the frustration of dealing with the injury but sounded optimistic about where his game is heading.
“I’m getting healthy,” Garland said. “Trying to find my groove.
… It’s trying to switch my mind to letting me actually do the things I’m used to doing. It felt good for the first time a couple games ago and tonight see the result.”
He followed that up with another strong showing against Charlotte, this time with Mitchell back in the lineup. Garland put up 27 points on 9-of-15 shooting, dished out 10 assists, grabbed five boards, and added two steals - all in just 30 minutes. It was the kind of efficient, all-around performance that reminds you why Cleveland values him so highly.
And that’s part of the reason a trade still feels unlikely. On the Wine and Gold Talk podcast, Cavaliers insider Chris Fedor expressed skepticism that the team would move Garland before the deadline.
According to Fedor, Cleveland simply values him more than other teams do - especially given his injury history and inconsistent start to the season. The offers they’d receive likely wouldn’t reflect what Garland means to the franchise or what he could become if he’s finally past this nagging toe issue.
So while the trade buzz continues to hum in the background, don’t expect the Cavaliers to rush into anything. Garland’s still just 25, and when he’s right, he’s one of the most dynamic young guards in the league. If his recent performances are any indication, he might be getting back to that level - and if that’s the case, Cleveland’s best move might be no move at all.