December 14, 2024
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Cleveland Cavaliers Media Day

Cavaliers star guard rejects offseason trade rumors at media day.

Darius Garland silenced the rumors.

The start of the Cleveland Cavaliers’ offseason seemed to be lined up for a monumental shift in the organization.

Cleveland Cavaliers Media Day

A shocking report named Darius Garland and Jarrett Allen as potential trade candidates after the Cavs fell in five games to the Boston Celtics in round two of the Eastern Conference playoffs. The Cavaliers refuted the claims and committed to the core, first re-signing Donovan Mitchell to a maximum extension, followed by Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen. Cleveland stayed silent in the offseason, sticking to a plan of internal development under a new coaching staff led by Kenny Atkinson.

Cleveland Cavaliers Media Day
Despite some glaring flaws with the roster, the Cavaliers are focused on another year of growth and cohesion. In the pre-media day availability, Cavs president of basketball operations Koby Altman and Atkinson said that continuity is key to the organization this season, another indicator that the Cavaliers were never entertaining a divorce for the core four.

Cleveland Cavaliers Media Day

The initial report never suggested the Cavaliers wanted to move on from Garland, however. Instead, it stated that Garland’s representation at Klutch Sports were prepared to approach the Cavs’ front office and discuss a trade opportunity for the All-Star guard if Mitchell extended. It reported that Klutch believed a backcourt pair of Garland and Mitchell would hold back DG’s potential accolades and earnings.

Cleveland Cavaliers Media Day

Thus, while Cleveland was reluctant to move Garland, it seemed like a potential inevitability that the Cavs’ star point guard would force his way out of town. At media day, though, Garland addressed these rumors publicly for the first time and set the record straight.

Cleveland Cavaliers Media Day
Garland shuts down trade rumors

The Cavaliers were offered hefty packages for Garland but continually refused. The San Antonio Spurs were favorites to land the All-Star, reportedly offering two top-10 picks in this year’s draft in exchange, but once again the Cavaliers refused.

Cleveland Cavaliers Media Day
Cleveland’s constant commitment hinted that Garland was not pushing for a deal. The Cavs were certainly receiving offers comparable to his value, so denying them suggested the report was faulty. At media day, Garland finally spoke against the claims.

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