Report links 8 teams to potential Darius Garland trade

Mar 14, 2022; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Darius Garland (10) smiles after a basket during the second half against the Los Angeles Clippers at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

The Cleveland Cavaliers appear likely to have plenty of interest in guard Darius Garland if they decide to put him on the trade market.

In a new mailbag post, Evan Dammarell of Right Down Euclid suggested that if Garland were to demand a trade, he would prefer to go to another Eastern Conference team that could maximize his opportunities. If that were the case, the Orlando Magic, Brooklyn Nets, Washington Wizards, and Toronto Raptors were cited as potentially interested teams.

Several Western Conference teams, including the San Antonio Spurs, Minnesota Timberwolves, Utah Jazz, and New Orleans Pelicans, would also reportedly have interest if Garland demanded a trade.

There is no certainty that Garland will be traded. There have been suggestions that the guard could push for an exit if the Cavaliers make a long-term commitment to Donovan Mitchell, however. Even then, Garland has four years left on a five-year deal, so he does not have a lot of leverage if the Cavaliers do not want to move him.

The 24-year-old guard was limited to 57 games last season and saw his statistical output drop significantly with the arrival of Mitchell. Still, he averaged 18 points and 6.5 assists in 33.4 minutes per game.