Following last season’s 64-win finish, which culminated in another early playoff exit, the Cleveland Cavaliers made only minor roster moves this offseason, rounding out their bench. However, Sports Illustrated’s Ethen Hutton believes a backcourt defensive upgrade may be necessary to push the Eastern Conference heavyweight over the top in the 2025-26 campaign.

Cleveland’s star backcourt of Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland has thrived together offensively over the last three years. Last season, Mitchell earned his sixth All-Star selection and second All-NBA nod, while Garland secured his second All-Star designation, three years after his first.

Still, questions about the pairing’s defensive limitations linger, with Mitchell and Garland standing at just 6-foot-3 and 6-foot-1, respectively. Garland was also hindered by a sprained left great toe during the Cavaliers’ latest second-round postseason letdown. The 25-year-old is expected to miss the start of next season after undergoing surgery in June, complicating his squad’s bounce-back bid.

NBA Analyst Pitches Darius Garland-to-Pelicans Trade That Lands Cavaliers Two-Way Star

On Thursday, Hutton outlined a trade that would send Garland to the New Orleans Pelicans for a package centered around two-way star point guard Dejounte Murray. With Murray rehabbing from a torn right Achilles tendon that he suffered on Jan. 31, Cleveland would also receive draft capital and one of New Orleans’ 2025 lottery selections.

Proposed Deal

Cavaliers Receive: Dejounte Murray, Derik Queen, 2029 first-round pick

Pelicans Receive: Darius Garland

According to the analyst, the hypothetical trade return would strengthen the Cavaliers’ roster balance while better positioning them for the future. Standing at 6-foot-5, Murray, when healthy, would provide Mitchell with a backcourt partner with more size and versatility.

“Removing Garland gives Cleveland future assets and a serviceable guard in Murray, who offers immense defensive upside from the backcourt, something the Cavaliers have missed desperately,” Hutton wrote.

Hutton added that Queen, a skilled, physical low-post-centric big man prospect with a soft touch and complementary playmaking ability, could be a valuable acquisition.

“The addition of Derik Queen also gives Cleveland a backup big man to rotate behind [Evan] Mobley and Jarrett Allen, which has also previously hurt the team in the postseason,” Hutton observed.

As for the Pelicans’ possible motive, the writer dubbed it a desperation move as the organization seeks to get back on track following an injury-riddled 21-win campaign. He envisions Garland’s facilitating chops meshing well with high-flying star forward Zion Williamson. With Garland approaching Year 3 of his five-year, $197,230,450 contract, the two could form a long-term partnership.

“Without Brandon Ingram or CJ McCollum, the Pelicans are desperate for offensive production alongside Williamson, who has been plagued with injuries in his own regard,” Hutton surmised.

“The Pelicans are forced to ship off a solid haul in return for Garland, but the upside is worth it. … The two players’ play styles complement one another, and the tandem could help lead the Pelicans to the postseason for the first time in two years.”

Cavaliers May Be Wary of Dejounte Murray’s Injury Situation

While Murray could prove to be a strong fit alongside Mitchell, it may be difficult to sell Cleveland on taking back a lead guard facing even more health uncertainty than Garland. There’s no guarantee that the one-time All-Star will return to form upon his comeback from his Achilles surgery. Meanwhile, Queen is still an unproven commodity.

On the flip side, the Pelicans could have reservations about moving on from Queen so soon after they parted with a major haul to land him on draft night. The franchise sent the Atlanta Hawks this year’s No. 23 pick (Asa Newell) and an unprotected 2026 first-round pick (the best from New Orleans or Milwaukee) for the rights to Queen, the No. 13 pick.

As such, both squads could encounter roadblocks in negotiating the blockbuster deal, causing Cleveland to retain Garland or hold out for a more surefire offer from another team.