Top 5 potentially suitable teams for a Darius Garland trade, should the Cavaliers choose to rebuild their roster
Rewritten Article:
The End of Cleveland Cavaliers' 2024-25 Season Brings Uncertainty for Darius Garland
The Cleveland Cavaliers' promising season came to a sudden halt earlier this week, as they were defeated by the Indiana Pacers in the second round of the NBA Playoffs, marking their third consecutive failure to reach the Eastern Conference Finals. Despite boasting a regular-season record of 64 wins – the second-best in franchise history – and a 16-game win streak, the Cavaliers couldn't outlast their opponents.
Head coach Kenny Atkinson, who was rewarded with the Coach of the Year accolade in his inaugural season, led a formidable lineup that included three NBA All-Stars: Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley, and Darius Garland. This marked the fourth time in the Cavaliers' history that they had three players selected for the All-Star Game.
However, Garland's inconsistent performance in the postseason has stirred uncertainty about his future with the team. The 25-year-old guard averaged 14 points, four assists, and two rebounds per game, a significant drop from his regular-season averages (20.6 points, 6.7 assists, 1.2 steals). Moreover, his field goal and 3-point shooting percentages plummeted to 34.2% and 16.7%, respectively.
These numbers reveal a troubling trend, as they represent a sharp decline from Garland's regular-season production. His questionable performance has fueled speculation that he may become a central figure in trade talks, particularly given the Cavaliers' recent playoff woes and the mounting pressure to create a team that caters to Mitchell's strengths.
Top 5 Destinations for Darius Garland
- Portland Trail Blazers: With Cavaliers fans questioning the long-term compatibility of Anfernee Simons, the Trail Blazers could be among the teams pursuing Garland. While Portland missed the playoffs this season, the team is motivated to accelerate their rebuild, and a trade involving Simons ($27.6 million expiring in 2026), Robert Williams III ($13.2 million expiring), the 11th pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, and a 2027 first-round pick (top-10 protected) could attract Cleveland's attention.
- Toronto Raptors: After acquiring Brandon Ingram from the New Orleans Pelicans, the Raptors have created a new core with Scottie Barnes. Toronto's offseason strategy may include adding a high-level guard like Garland to complement their young duo. Trading Immanuel Quickley ($32.5 million through 2029), Ochai Agbaji ($6.3 million expiring), a 2026 first-round pick, and a 2028 first-round pick could pique Cleveland's interest.
- Miami Heat: With the Heat eliminated from the playoffs in the first round, they may seek a boost in offensive firepower in the backcourt. A package that includes Andrew Wiggins ($28.2 million through 2027), Kyle Anderson ($9.2 million through 2027), Pelle Larsson ($1.9 million through 2027), the 20th pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, and a 2029 first-round pick (top-10 protected) could attract the Cavaliers.
- Houston Rockets: Houston is looking to bolster their offense following a seven-game series loss to the Golden State Warriors. A trade scenario involving Dillon Brooks ($21.1 million through 2027), Jabari Smith Jr. ($12.3 million expiring), Jock Landale ($8 million through 2027), the 2027 first-round pick (Brooklyn Nets swap rights), and a 2028 first-round pick could prove enticing to the Cavaliers.
- Orlando Magic: After a subpar offensive season, the Magic are seeking ways to address their deficiencies. A trade offer consisting of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope ($21.6 million through 2027), Cole Anthony ($13.1 million through 2027), Goga Bitadze ($8.3 million through 2027), Cory Joseph ($3.4 million expiring), the 25th pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, and a 2027 first-round pick could intrigue the Cavaliers, giving them the depth and flexibility to adjust their roster around Mitchell.
- Trades surrounding Darius Garland could be on the horizon, as his inconsistent performance in the playoffs and the Cavaliers' recurring playoff struggles may push them to reevaluate their roster.
- Rumors suggest that the Portland Trail Blazers, with their motivated rebuild, could pursue Garland, potentially offering a package including Anfernee Simons, Robert Williams III, the 11th pick in the 2025 draft, and a 2027 first-round pick.
- Injuries and underwhelming performances by the Miami Heat during the playoffs might prompt them to consider a move for a high-level guard like Garland, offering a package that include Andrew Wiggins, Kyle Anderson, Pelle Larsson, the 20th pick in the 2025 draft, and a 2029 first-round pick (top-10 protected).
