Darius Garland silences buzz surrounding desire to be traded

Darius Garland silences buzz surrounding desire to be traded

Shortly after the Cleveland Cavaliers’ season ended at the hands of the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference semifinals, it was reported that guard Darius Garland could be seeking a trade if they re-signed guard Donovan Mitchell.

Mitchell, who helped lead Cleveland to its first postseason series victory without LeBron James in over three decades, was due for a max extension worth over $150 million–though there were serious questions on whether he would sign it. Lo and behold, both sides agreed to an extension in early July.

However, there appears to be a change-in-tune from Garland’s camp about wanting to get moved.

“I don’t want to be traded,” Garland said, according to Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com (subscription required). “Those are just rumors.”

Cleveland underwent a coaching change this offseason, firing head coach J.B. Bickerstaff and hiring former Brooklyn Nets head coach Kenny Atkinson, who’s spent the last four seasons as an assistant with the Los Angeles Clippers (one season) and Golden State Warriors (three).

Atkinson, 57, already had previous relationships with guard Caris LeVert and center Jarrett Allen from his time in Brooklyn–and has made his name as one of the best developmental coaches in the NBA. He’s shown great enthusiasm for coaching both Garland and Mitchell, two of the best guards at their respective positions leaguewide.

“I can’t wait to work with them,” Atkinson said. “I was a point guard and that’s the quarterback. Those guys are running the show and it’s such a huge position in this league. I identity with them. Huge fan of Darius. Always been a fan. Underrated. Underrated passer. I don’t think he gets enough credit for the feel. Then, Donovan we all know, he’s the real deal. The great ones have a different type of work ethic. He’s wired a little bit differently.”

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The spacing wasn’t always perfect surrounding Garland and Mitchell nor was the opportunity share always there for the 24-year-old point guard. Over the last two seasons, the one-time All-Star averaged 20.0 points and 7.2 assists on 45.5 percent shooting and 39.2 percent from deep. Prior to Mitchell’s arrival, Garland was having his best season yet, averaging 21.7 points and 8.6 assists, despite slightly worst efficiency from the floor.

Should Garland not get moved, I’m interested to see how he and Mitchell operate in Atkinson’s motion-laden offense. Perhaps it will open up the floor more for Cleveland, who’s traditionally operated with two non-spacing bigs in Evan Mobley and Allen. If they can operate as screeners and potential playmaking hubs ATB, it could open up Cleveland’s offense for Mitchell and Garland.

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