ESPN’s front office insider Bobby Marks suggested a Darius Garland trade to the Lakers if five-time NBA All-Star Donovan Mitchell chooses to remain with the Cavaliers.
“If the Cavaliers do make Garland available, one trade that could make sense would be a package centered around the Los Angeles Lakers’ Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura. Reaves’ shooting skills would complement Mitchell, and Hachimura gives the Cavaliers depth in the frontcourt if they look to trade Allen,” Marks wrote.
On May 15, The Athletic reported that Garland could request a trade should Mitchell sign a four-year, $208.5 million extension this July.
“Rival executives believe the Cavs will have to seriously evaluate the fit of Mitchell and Garland and ultimately may have to choose one or the other. Should Mitchell decide to stay long term, sources briefed on the matter say Garland’s representation, Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul, would have a conversation with Cavs officials on potentially finding a new home for the one-time All-Star,” The Athletic’s Shams Charania, Joe Vardon and Jason Lloyd wrote.
Garland shares the same representation with the Lakers’ top stars LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
Garland became a first-time All-Star in 2022 when he averaged a career-high 21.7 points and 8.6 assists. He was the face of the Cavaliers until Mitchell’s arrival. His role and his production dipped in the next two seasons sharing backcourt duties with Mitchell.
