Darius Garland Undergoes Toe Surgery Amid Rising Trade Rumors

Cleveland Cavaliers star point guard Darius Garland has undergone surgery to repair a lingering left great toe injury, a procedure that will sideline him for approximately 4 to 5 months, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. 

The operation was performed at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in consultation with team doctors, and while Garland is expected to make a full recovery, the timeline casts doubt on his availability for the start of the 2025–26 NBA season.

Garland’s injury troubles began late in the regular season but reached a breaking point in the playoffs. After aggravating the toe during Game 2 of Cleveland’s first-round sweep against the Miami Heat, he was forced to miss the start of their second-round series against the Indiana Pacers. Without their floor general, the Cavaliers dropped Games 1 and 2 at home, losing home-court advantage and momentum. 

Though Garland returned later in the series, he was a shadow of his All-Star self, visibly hobbled and ineffective. The Cavaliers were eliminated in five games, their title dreams dashed despite a 64–18 record.

The fallout has been significant. Garland and center Jarrett Allen, both previously considered franchise cornerstones, are no longer viewed as “untouchable” by the organization. 

According to multiple reports, Cleveland’s front office is exploring ways to reshape the roster around All-NBA guard Donovan Mitchell and rising star Evan Mobley. While there’s been no confirmed traction with any teams, speculation around Garland’s future has heated up, especially in light of his injury and the Cavs’ early playoff exit.

Before the injury, Garland was enjoying a strong season under first-year head coach Kenny Atkinson. 

He averaged 20.6 points, 6.7 assists, and 2.9 rebounds per game while shooting 47.2% from the field, 40.1% from beyond the arc, and 87.8% from the free-throw line. He posted the lowest turnover rate of his career (2.5 per game), indicating improved decision-making and efficiency.

The 24-year-old guard had also earned his second All-Star selection and helped lead Cleveland to the top seed in the East. However, his postseason struggles and long-term durability concerns have put a cloud over his role in the Cavaliers’ future.

Garland’s surgery may also affect the team’s offseason decision-making. With backup guard Ty Jerome set to hit free agency following a career year, Cleveland could prioritize re-signing him as insurance. The uncertainty surrounding Garland’s recovery and trade value might delay or complicate potential negotiations with other teams.

Critics, including ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith, were vocal about Garland’s absence during the playoffs, calling out his inability to play through injury. a point that now seems harsh in hindsight, given the severity of the issue and need for surgery.

As the Cavaliers face a critical offseason, Garland’s status looms large. Once seen as a franchise centerpiece, he now finds himself both on the mend and on the trade block. 

Whether he returns to reclaim his place in Cleveland or headlines a blockbuster trade elsewhere, one thing is certain: the future of the Cavaliers and of Darius Garland hangs in the balance.