It might make more sense from a cost perspective for a team seeking a point guard to acquire Cavaliers guard Darius Garland rather than Hawks guard Trae Young if both become available this offseason. Yahoo Sports’ Jake Fischer says some teams are giving off the impression they’ll lean toward Garland in the event that both players end up on the trade block (Apple Podcasts link).
As has been widely reported this week, the Cavaliers may be forced to decide between Garland and Donovan Mitchell to keep long-term. If an extension is reached with Mitchell this offseason, Garland could be on the way out. The Hawks, meanwhile, are expected to seriously consider breaking up their backcourt of Young and Dejounte Murray.
Even though Young has been more productive in Atlanta than Garland has in Cleveland, teams may prefer Garland based on what they’d have to give up to acquire him, as well as his contract situation. Garland averaged 18.0 points and 6.5 assists per game, while Young averaged 25.7 points and 10.8 assists this season. Garland is under contract through 2027/28, whereas Young’s contract runs through at least ’25/26 with an early termination option for ’26/27.
We have more from the Central Division:
- While James L. Edwards III of The Athletic believes the Pistons should trade their first round pick in this year’s draft, there should still be some intriguing options available when Detroit picks at No. 5. Stephon Castle, Alexandre Sarr, Donovan Clingan, Dalton Knecht and Reed Sheppard top Edwards’ list of desired prospects after the NBA Combine, though it’s likely one or more of those players are gone by the time Detroit picks.
- The Pistons trading their No. 5 pick might make more sense as the team wants to get better and not necessarily younger, Omari Sankofa II of the Detroit Free Press writes. The Pistons’ record has gotten worse in recent years as they’ve added more young first-rounders to their core, and pursuing veterans via the trade market might help Detroit improve sooner rather than later.
- Tyrese Haliburton is under more scrutiny as he takes the Pacers deeper into the playoffs, but he’s always longed for the kind of pressure he’s feeling before Sunday’s Game 7, according to James Boyd of The Athletic. “He’s changed things for the better for this franchise and for this city,” teammate T.J. McConnell said. “When you got a guy, who’s your franchise guy, that really gets people involved … it’s easy for everyone to rally around a guy like that.“
- The Pacers responded well to harsh criticism from coach Rick Carlisle, who was upset by the team’s lack of aggression in Game 5, according to The Athletic’s Eric Nehm. On Friday, the Pacers upped their intensity and came away with a big win. Every player is anticipating a tight Game 7 on Sunday. “I expect probably the most unbelievable environment I’ve ever played an NBA game,” Haliburton said. “I think we’re all excited to go. There’s going to be a lot of energy in the building, from them and from us. And I think just weathering our emotions as much as we can.“
Garland has $197 million contract.
LeBron James has Been In Cleveland To Scout Darius Garland As A Potential Trade Target For The Lakers?
Lakers have trade offer ready to send.
Garland, who averaged 18.0 points, 6.5 assists, and 2.7 rebounds per game this season, is still just 24 years old
Unless Reaves and at 2 firsts are involved. The Lakers package can be beat easily!
Lakers need Jazz to help them again. Ainge is a friend of Magic Johnson (you don’t know?)
Lakers get Garland
Cavs get Lauri Markkanen, and Cap Room from Jazz
Jazz get Vincent and Dlo, 2 Firsts from Lakers
The next big thing is Lakers 2031 unprotected first round pick
boy that is a laughable trade offer. So the only team getting better is the lakers while Jazz and Cavs get worse.
I’m not saying Markkanen isn’t available for the right price but I think the Jazz are ready to try to win games. The only way I see them trading Markkanen is to upgrade, not for picks and salary filler.
Not going to be easy trading Garland because of his long term contract. Unless they bring back multiple players that are not stars are a bad contract that expires from a rebuilding team. This is why the new CBA is terrible you can draft well but not afford players later on. Trading Allen for expiring contracts and draft picks would be the best option unless a team wants Garland and willing to over pay with young cheap stars and draft picks.
Spurs trade idea
I’d trade Keldon Johnson and $15 million cap room for Garland.
Add picks if needed
Johnson average
16
6
3
Johnson is also 24.
Cavs won’t want expirings and draft picks if Garland/Allen are traded. They will still want to compete if they sign Mitchell to an extension,
they would keep Allen if they trade Garland. I expect them to trade Allen before considering trading Garland. Allen saves them $20 million and Mobley can take his spot. They are in a good position because they can trade Allen or Mobley and gain some valuable players and assets while those 2 are at peak value now.
Haliburton is only 24 and alredy leading a talented underrated group deep into playoffs. Credit to indy for acquiring & developing him into a superstar. He needs to control the rhythm tmrw, smart passes & more than 5 friggin shots Please
Remember that Garland will have increased value once he has a whole offseason to regain his strength and stamina. His broken jaw made him have to eat liquids and he lost a lot of weight and energy. He got back as soon as he could for the team, but he probably should have stayed out longer to rehab. He will be back to his normal play once he gets to totally rehab.
Just hope he doesn’t gain too much weight. Now that he can eat again he may gravitate towards more succulent and fatty foods that he missed, like pork belly or a big mac or even chocolate cake. It’d be a shame if he went too hard in the opposite direction. A player like him depends on speed and agility. Just hope he doesn’t become addicted to golden corral or something like that.
If someone with size is there at 5 I would hope OKC contacts for a trade. Pistons won’t need a big guy so they are not targeting the same players. Pick swap and maybe Giddey but Pistons are not loaded with shooters they may not want him.