After their season ended at the hands of the eventual champion Boston Celtics, many Cleveland Cavaliers players became subject to trade rumors. One of the most popular candidates was guard Darius Garland. However, despite these rumors, Garland, and all of Cleveland’s main core players, remained with the team. Now, less than a month before the start of the 2024-25 season, Garland is opening up about popping up in trade rumors.
At the Cavaliers’ Media Day session on Monday (YouTube link), Garland addressed the rumors that he wanted a trade from Cleveland. The 24-year-old made it clear that he had no intentions of leaving the team. Additionally, Garland said he “wanted to be” in Cleveland no matter what.
“I told [Koby Altman] I wanted to be here,” Garland said. “I really don’t know [where the rumor came from], it came out and it was definitely false.”
Garland has spent the first five seasons of his NBA career with the Cavaliers. In that time, he became a one-time All-Star and finished in the top 10 of Most Improved Player voting twice. Additionally, he has helped turn the Cavaliers into legitimate title contenders again following LeBron James‘ departure in 2018.
Cleveland Cavaliers Starter Speaks About Trade Rumors
What Darius Garland Brings to the Cavaliers
Garland is a fantastic player who has developed into a top guard in Cleveland. Additionally, he has been there since 2018 and is one of the team’s longest-tenured players. Though some have questioned his fit next to All-Star Donovan Mitchell, Garland is still a great player for the Cavaliers. However, he does have his flaws, which head coach Kenny Atkinson spoke about during Media Day.
Atkinson, who is preparing for his first year as the Cavaliers’ head coach, revealed where he wants Garland to improve the most. According to Atkinson, Garland must shoot more three-point field goals. This is meant to help make things easier for Mitchell, the team’s best player (subscription required).
“Atkinson feels a great responsibility to make things simpler for [Donovan] Mitchell,” Fedor wrote. “He wants Garland to shoot more 3s. Wants to lengthen the rotation — a thrilling idea to some inside the organization who implored [J.B.] Bickerstaff to go deeper than the customary eight or nine last season.”
This should be a good development for Garland’s game. He shot 37.1% on 6.2 three-point field goals per game last season. Garland is capable of knocking them down, so adding more volume should benefit him and the team.
The Last Word
Garland is entering the second year of his five-year, $197.2 million contract. As it stands, it seems likely that the guard will remain in Cleveland for the long haul. He has made it clear he enjoys being with the team, and the Cavaliers clearly enjoy having him around.
Last season, Cleveland finished with a 48-34 record and earned the No. 4 seed in the East. The Cavaliers are a good team on both sides of the ball. Because of this, they are a dark horse to make some noise in the Eastern Conference next season.
