The Cleveland Cavaliers have had a tough time in the 2025 postseason, which could lead to some major changes. This could include Star Point Guard Darius Garland is being accepted by team president Coby Altman.
During the 2024-25 regular season, the Cleveland Cavaliers were impressive. They were the number one species of the Eastern Conference with a 64-18 record. They recorded a 16-game winning streak in February and March. Even Chris Finch of the Minnesota Timberwolves confirmed the Cavs are a scary team.
Their success was largely due to their stacked roster headlined by Donovan Mitchell. He was supported by defensive players such as Evan Mobley, Jarrett Allen and Darius Garland. Unfortunately, they fell apart in the 2025 playoffs due to injuries and lost to the Indiana Pacers.
Getting out of the postseason now was a big hit in the “perfect” season for the Cavaliers. Most people expected them to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals, but injuries affected their play. This led them to consider options that include potential garland trade.
The Cavaliers want to compete with the best teams in the league. To do this, you need to have the best possible roster. Mitchell is a team superstar, so it could potentially make Garland available in the trade market. This is a split in players supported by former NBA champion Vernon Maxwell, as detailed in May.
ESPN’s Brian Windhorst has heard that the Cavaliers are open to trading Garland. That’s surprising as he has been one of the franchise’s best players in recent years. He proves to be one of the better point guards in the league, as seen in the All-Star nod.
“What’s interesting about Cavs is that over a year ago there were some beliefs that Garland might want to be traded. That’s definitely there if Donovan didn’t extend his contract,” Windhorst told ESPN Cleveland.
“Coby was on the record saying, ‘We’re not trading Darius Garland.’ A year later, I believe Darius Garland will be available in the right circumstances.
“He’s really happy how things have evolved in Cleveland. He really likes the role he has. I think Cavs are listening and open-minded, not actively thinking about changing their roster.”
Unfortunately, Garland is enough to become a valuable trade piece, but not enough to compete with other elite guards. Jalen Brunson, Cade Cunningham and Tyrese Haliburton are top point guards in the east. Garland is below it, competing with other star guards like Trae Young and Lamelo Ball.
That means he is a great player, especially for the Cavs. The franchise sees Garland as a long-term work. However, his worth may tempt other teams to entice Garland to abandon his star in return. Koby Altman, president of basketball operations, will consider offers and confirm if they find the right deal.
It must be a trade package that can rob the cave above the hump. They’ve been excellent in recent years, but Garland’s trade should lead to good co-stars for Mitchell and Mobley. The Cavaliers are just around the corner. They need more pieces to help them compete for the championship.