Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports
The Cleveland Cavaliers, after having a spectacular regular season, were yet again knocked off in the second round, and this time by the hands of Indiana Pacers. It is simply hard to believe that a 64-win regular season team managed to only win one game against the Pacers, who were the fourth seed and the underdogs going into the series. Whether it was the injuries, their bench unable to produce, or simply facing a better team in the playoffs, the Cavs have a lot to think about this offseason. To start with, apart from Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley, the rest of the team were a no-show against the Pacers. Ty Jerome had a horrible series and his shot selection was confusing and downright blasphemous at times. Garland was hurt, yet again, at the most crucial time of the season, Max Struss went 0-9 from the field in Game 5 after giving out a motivational speech. Apart from Donovan Mitchell, nobody is untouchable in Cleveland, and while trade talks have already emerged including Evan Mobley, Darius Garland is another player that could be moved this offseason.
Darius Garland is a great player, but that has only been the case during the regular season. Injuries or not, Garland was horrible in the second round series against the Pacers, as he had 12 turnovers in the three games that he players against the Pacers, and only contributed 42 total points, 12 assists, while shooting 30 percent in two games where the Cavs and Mitchell absolutely needed him. This has been the case of Garland for some time, as he has not been a reliable guard who can consistently produce in the playoffs. And when it comes to his defending, Garland simply is too small to guard some of the bigger guards like SGA, or Luka Doncic.
REPORT: The Cavs are now “more willing” to entertain trades for Jarrett Allen and Darius Garland, per @ChrisFedor.
“I think the two untouchables are Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley. And like I have been getting the sense that like the Cavs would be more willing to entertain and… pic.twitter.com/OAexCNGugJ
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) May 29, 2025
Also Read: Luka Doncic to Represent Slovenia at FIBA EuroBasket, Confirms Basketball Association President
Insider Floats Jalen Suggs as Cavs’ Trade Target in Potential Garland Deal
Despite Garland’s second all-star nod this season, he was some of the most disappointing players to watch in the playoffs and it was nothing like what we saw him do in the regular season. So Cavaliers Insider Chris Fedor believes that Orlando Magic guard, Jalen Suggs, who missed majority of the 2024-2025 season due to an injury, could be seen as a potential trade target this summer, if the Cavs decide to part ways with Garland.
Fedor also recently reported that Garland and their center, Jarett Allen are not considered untouchable in Cleveland. “I think there’s a framework of a deal between the Cavs and the Magic that would involve Darius Garland and Jalen Suggs.”
The Cavs have experimented with the core lineup of Garland, Mitchell, Allen, and Mobley, for two straight seasons and it has not proved to be fruitful so far. While Garland may be the better offensive player when compared to Suggs, but defense is where Suggs comes in. Suggs is one of the best perimeter defenders in the NBA, and that is something that the Cavs desperately require to go further into the playoffs. Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley needs help, and it will be interesting to see what the Cavs do about that this offseason.