Despite winning 64 games during the regular season, the Cleveland Cavaliers fell short of winning the NBA title. Cleveland was eliminated in the second round of the playoffs by the Indiana Pacers, ending what was a special season.
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With the Cavaliers falling short once again in the playoffs, the front office could have some tough decisions to make on the roster. Many believe that Cleveland could move on from some pieces to give itself more of a chance next year.
One of those moves could include All-Star guard Darius Garland. The tandem of Garland star Donovan Mitchell has been a major talking point for the Cavaliers, and it could see the team break up the duo.
According to Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com, the Cavaliers could have a framework for a potential trade to send Garland to the Orlando Magic. Fedor speculated on how the two sides could come together on a deal.
"I think there's a framework, and I say framework because salary stuff becomes very, very difficult for the Cavs. So, you're just talking about a general framework with an understanding that other pieces are probably going to have to be involved. Maybe a third team is going to have to be involved.
"Matching salary becomes very very difficult when you're talking about the Cavs and the salary situation that they're in. But I think there's a framework of a deal between the Cavs and the Magic that would involve Darius Garland and Jalen Suggs."
Losing Garland would hurt, but adding Suggs could be interesting. Cleveland would likely want more than just Suggs in return, but adding a defensive presence like Suggs could help offset some of the defensive issues that Mitchell has in the backcourt.
For the season, Suggs averaged 16.2 points, 4.0 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.5 steals per game. Suggs would be a clear downgrade on the offensive end of the floor, and losing Garland could hurt the playmaking of the Cavaliers.
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But after collapsing in the postseason, something needs to change on this team. It could see Cleveland move off of Garland or center Jarrett Allen this summer.
If either player becomes available on the trade market, there will be plenty of teams vying for their services. This will be a major offseason for the Cavaliers, and one that could change the trajectory of the franchise for years to come.
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This story was originally published May 29, 2025 at 1:47 PM.