Cleveland Cavaliers DVOA, Stats, & NBA Rankings

According to ESPN's Brian Windhorst, citing league executives, teams around the NBA are "backing off" from trying to acquire Cleveland Cavaliers guard Darius Garland. Cavs President of Basketball Operations Koby Altman recently indicated the team isn't looking to trade the 24-year-old. Yet, it may not be possible, especially Cleveland hopes to sign Donovan Mitchell to an extension. Garland averaged 18.0 points and shot 37.1% from behind the arc last season, both down from the 2022-23 campaign. He was also limited to 57 games because of injury. However, Garland figures to be a viable fantasy asset in 2024-25, regardless of where he ends up.

According to ESPN's Brian Windhorst, the trade market for Cleveland Cavaliers point guard Darius Garland has cooled off. "There are now teams that are sort of backing off, saying well, maybe Garland is not gonna be available," Windhorst said during an appearance on ESPN Cleveland's The Really Big Show. The statement comes after Cavaliers president Koby Altman recently suggested that the team isn't desperate to break up the duo of Garland and Donovan Mitchell. It has been reported that Garland will seek a trade if the Cavaliers sign Mitchell to an extension this offseason.

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell is expected to start extension talks with the team soon. According to NBA insider Evan Sidery, Cleveland wants to have its new head coach in place before presenting Mitchell with his $208 million extension. A four-year, $208 million deal is the maximum amount the Cavaliers can offer to Mitchell, whose current deal allows him to become an unrestricted free agent next summer. The five-star All-Star has been linked with a move away from Cleveland, but it looks like he's set to stay, with the team needing to make other moves to accommodate Mitchell's needs. Darius Garland is expected to leave Cleveland if Mitchell agrees to an extension.

Atlanta Hawks forward De'Andre Hunter appears set for a change of scenery. According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, the Hawks are ready to make Hunter available ahead of the 2024 draft. The 26-year-old could be a hot commodity on the trade market after coming off a career year. Hunter averaged 15.6 points and 3.9 rebounds per game in 29.5 minutes, with 38.5 percent shooting from deep. The fourth pick of the 2019 draft has finished the first season of a four-year, $95 million contract.

According to NBA insider Evan Sidery, the Pelicans and Cavaliers are expected to "re-engage" in discussions surrounding guard Darius Garland. The Cavs may want to break up the backcourt duo of Garland and Donovan Mitchell. Of course, Cleveland would rather keep Mitchell on the roster. If that happens, Garland could be on his way to a new team. The 24-year-old averaged 18.0 points during the 2023-24 campaign, over three points fewer than the previous season. He also appeared in only 57 games due to injury. There's no denying Garland's upside. However, he isn't a reliable offensive contributor. His inability to stay healthy will also negatively impact his fantasy stock. But the 2019 No. 5 overall pick could benefit from a change of scenery and surpass fantasy expectations if he can figure out how to stay on the floor. The Pelicans could also use a stable presence at the one position.