Following their exit from the NBA Playoffs at the hands of the Boston Celtics, the Cleveland Cavaliers find themselves in a tough spot.
Though they have one of the more star-studded backcourts in the association with Darius Garland and Donovan Mitchell, the pair may be headed for a split. Per The Athletic insiders Shams Charania, Joe Vardon and Jason Lloyd (Subscription required), Garland's representation may explore a trade out of Cleveland if Mitchell stays in town.
According to that report, the Cavaliers are optimistic they will receive a commitment from Mitchell on a new deal that would pay him over $200 million in total. With that in mind, there's a legitimate chance that this All-Star backcourt has played its last game together.
Where the Cleveland Cavaliers go from here
If Garland and his representation were to seek a trade, no shortage of teams would come calling to inquire about the guard. An All-Star in 2021–22, Garland has proven himself to be an electric scorer and capable floor general. Even coming off a down year, which was largely hindered due to a broken jaw he suffered in December, he'd still be one of the hottest names on the trade market.
Trading for the guard would not be cheap from an asset or financial perspective. The Cavaliers could get a nice haul for the guard, who is still just 24 years old and has room to grow. In the second year of a five-year, $197 million extension, any interested suitor would have to gut a sizeable portion of their roster to get their hands on him, but several franchises may view it as a worthy move.
That said, let us look at two obvious suitors for Garland and two that may fly under the radar for the time being.