For all the names Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs have been linked to this offseason–and there haven't been that many–Darius Garland may be the only potential trade that has seemingly popped up at different points along the way thus far. This time, any possible deal centers on the NBA Draft.
“The Spurs would seriously consider pursuing Darius Garland if the Cleveland Cavaliers made him available in trade talks leading up to the draft,” ClutchPoints reporter Bret Siegel reported.
It's the latest indication that the Spurs have an interest in the Vanderbilt product who just completed his fifth year in the NBA.
How a Darius Garland-Spurs trade could work
Garland's agent, Rich Paul, said he would speak with Cleveland about trading his client if Cavaliers superstar Donovan Mitchell signs an extension this offseason, that's according to NBA insiders Shams Charania, Joe Vardon and Jason Lloyd of The Athletic. Early indication is that the Cavs are looking to sign their leading scorer to a new deal.
A 2022 All-Star, Garland is coming off a year in which he averaged 18 points per game over 57 contests. It followed back to back seasons that both saw him score north of 21 points. Those point totals have been eclipsed with Mitchell on board over the last two years and while the team's President Kolby Altman has indicated the Cavaliers would like to keep both, Rich Paul's reported comment would suggest that might not happen. Enter the Spurs.
With two picks in the Top 10 of this month's draft, multiple selections through the rest of the decade and with young talent on the roster now, San Antonio can put together an intriguing offer for a Cleveland squad that could pick up a piece or two or three to team with Mitchell, Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley. It's a possibility that first entered the NBA rumor atmosphere earlier in the offseason in the never-ending chatter of how the Spurs will build around Wemby.
How Darius Garland could fit the Spurs
Extended following his All-Star season, Garland has four years left on his contract. He's set to make $36.7 million in 2024-2025 with the deal increasing by just shy of three million per season for the life of the contract. It's a good thing the 6-foot-1 point guard is still only 24 years old.
The Cavs second leading scorer averaged 6.5 assists and 2.7 rebounds in addition to those 18 points per game last season. They're numbers that would give the Spurs a player who can both set up Wemby as well as provide another consistent scoring option. Keep in mind, Devin Vassell, who averaged nearly 20 points per outing last season, is also in the fold.
Garland shot 44.6% from the field, meaning he'd keep defenses honest as they keep an eye on the reigning Rookie of the Year. His 37.1% shooting percentage from beyond the arc would provide a much needed three-point threat among top rotational players. San Antonio's best shooters recently have been specialists.
It stands to reason that San Antonio would have an interest in Garland. The price to get him and the price of his contract will determine whether a deal gets done.
Follow Us
Subscribe