The Cleveland Cavaliers are no longer shutting down trade inquiries for All-Star guard Darius Garland, according to multiple reports, as the franchise navigates a complex offseason under the NBA’s updated salary cap rules.
Brian Windhorst said on ESPN Cleveland that the front office, once adamant about keeping Garland, is now more open to moving him “under the right circumstances.” Windhorst added that while Garland is reportedly content with his current role, the Cavaliers are listening to offers without actively shopping him.
The Cavaliers’ financial flexibility is a driving factor. The team is roughly $15 million over the second luxury tax apron, and changes may be necessary to stay under league limits.
Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley are viewed as the team’s two untouchable pieces. Garland and center Jarrett Allen, on the other hand, are viewed as potential trade candidates—though only for a deal that improves the roster.
Garland, 25, is entering the fourth year of a five-year, $197 million contract. He averaged 20.6 points and 6.7 assists in the 2024–25 season, shooting 40.1% from beyond the arc.
The Cavaliers finished the regular season 64–18, earning the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference. After sweeping Miami in the first round, Cleveland was eliminated by Indiana in five games.
If Cleveland does move Garland, it would mark a significant shift for a franchise that invested heavily in a core built around him. But with Mitchell’s contract situation looming and the salary cap tightening, flexibility may outweigh familiarity.
