Cavaliers could receive a $95 million wing in exchange for Darius Garland
With their current roster, the Cleveland Cavaliers must decide if Darius Garland is worth keeping. It’s all well and good to make the playoffs, but progress must eventually be made.
The following deal between the Cavaliers and Brooklyn Nets was suggested by ESPN’s Kevin Pelton, who feels it would provide the Cavaliers a more suitable nucleus to surround Donovan Mitchell with.
Dennis Schroder, Cameron Johnson, a 2025 first-round selection (by the lesser of a Brooklyn/Houston trade or Phoenix), and a 2029 first-round pick (via the lesser of a Dallas/Phoenix trade) are all received by the Cavaliers.
Nets acquire: Georges Niang and Garland
Pelton outlined the advantages of having a larger lineup for the Cavaliers.
“Mitchelle and the big men Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen need to be surrounded by more shooting and defense from Cleveland.” Introducing Johnson, a 39% career 3-point shooter who would also add size to the Cavaliers starting five on the perimeter.
“With the 6-8 Johnson better suited to guard bigger wings than Strus, Mitchell would become Cleveland’s smallest starter instead of starting the 6-1 Garland with 6-3 Mitchell and 6-5 Max Strus.”
He also outlined the financial reasons the Cavaliers might be interested in this transaction.
