We’ve heard the rumors — if Donovan Mitchell signs a contract extension with the Cavaliers, Darius Garland’s reps will request a trade.
Well, most around the NBA believe Mitchell will take the Cavs’ max contract offer and stick around. And it appears that may not mean the end of Garland in Cleveland, after all, according to Zach Lowe of ESPN and several Hoops Wire sources.
“I just don’t see Darius Garland being traded to the Lakers or the Spurs unless somebody really blows them away with an offer, which I’ve been told it’s not anticipated that’s going to happen,” Lowe said, via Legion Hoops. “Darius Garland is cool with the current situation and all that.”
Garland and Mitchell get along very well on the court and in the locker room. They genuinely like each other. But there are questions about their fit. Among those reportedly wondering? The Cavaliers and Rich Paul, Garland’s agent. You can probably throw the fans in there as well.
That said, sources have told Hoops Wire the Cavs hope to try to run it mostly back under new head coach Kenny Atkinson. They will make some changes, yes, but they aren’t looking for a major shakeup.
Trading Garland would qualify as the latter.
Along with that, Garland was an All-Star just a couple years ago. He wasn’t very good this past season, but does that mean you immediately give up on the guy? Again, Garland and Mitchell like and respect each other, that much is obvious. And that’s always a good start.
Of course, this could all be one gigantic smokescreen. Garland could still be traded. This is the NBA, where no player, coach or team is untouchable. It just doesn’t seem to be a priority for the Cavs right now, and right now, Garland looks just fine with that.
More must-reads: