NBA Trades: 12 perfect playmakers the Spurs must consider pairing with Wembanyama
By Cal Durrett
Spurs-Cavs trade 2
1) Darius Garland
Following their playoff loss, rumors started to appear that Darius Garland would be available. The Cavs played some of their best basketball this season, with Mitchell running the offense and shooting and rim runners playing alongside him. That would potentially make Garland a top trade candidate, even with Mitchell's future in Cleveland uncertain.
Klutch Sports will indeed meet with the Cavaliers this offseason to facilitate Darius Garland being traded, if Donovan Mitchell decides to stay, @WindhorstESPN confirmed on @ESPNCleveland.
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) May 17, 2024
The Mitchell/Garland backcourt is on their way to being split up. pic.twitter.com/ejRbSjZ1xN
Still, Garland would make for an intriguing trade target. He is three years younger than Mitchell, with four years remaining on his contract, and is both a skilled scorer and passer, making him a good fit with Wembanyama.
One potential trade package could send Keldon Johnson, Blake Wesley, Chicago's 2025 first, and Atlanta's 2027 unprotected first to Cleveland for Garland. Cleveland would get a solid wing in Johnson as well as a promising point guard prospect in Wesley, who showed defensive potential this season, not to mention two potential top-10 picks.
Meanwhile, San Antonio would get a long-term fit at point guard who can get Wembanyama the ball where he needs it while being an offensive threat himself. If the Mitchell situation were clearer, it would be a good idea for both teams, but a lot depends on how Cleveland finishes their playoff run.
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