The Cleveland Cavaliers have stumbled out of the gates at the start of 2025-26, especially in comparison to how they started last season.
The Cavaliers currently sit with a 15-12 record, which is good for the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference. Cleveland has not looked good, and neither has its All-Star guard, Darius Garland.
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Garland has played in only 11 of the Cavaliers’ first 27 games.
Thus far, he is pacing for one of his worst seasons since his rookie year, statistically speaking. On top of that, he reaggravated the toe injury he and the team had been managing already.
Things aren’t looking pretty in Cleveland, and because of that, Garland could emerge as a prime trade candidate as the NBA trade deadline looms.
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According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, the Cavaliers are set to draw plenty of inquiries around Garland. The 25-year-old will obtain significant interest from other teams as the Feb. 5 trade deadline slowly approaches.
“Some teams believe that if he was their main guy, he could be a difference maker,” Scotto said on the Yes Network.
The Cavaliers have been mediocre this season, and if they continue on this path, there is a chance they could sell on the two-time All-Star.
Garland is now in his seventh season in the league, all of which he’s spent with the Cavaliers. Cleveland could be at a crossroads if they continue down this path, but a lot can happen from now till the trade deadline.
Not only is Garland dealing with an injury, but the brutal Evan Mobley calf injury news also doesn’t help the Cavaliers. Mobley is out for an estimated two-to-four weeks with a calf injury. He suffered the injury on Friday, during a narrow 130-126 win over the lowly Washington Wizards.
If the Cavaliers don’t turn things around, watch them possibly sell on Garland at the trade deadline.
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