As they search for a new starting point guard, the Sacramento Kings “have identified” Cleveland Cavaliers point guard Darius Garland “as a trade target,” per RG’s Grant Afseth.
Garland is projected to be out for the next four to five months, potentially missing around the first 10 games of the 2025-26 season, according to The Athletic’s Joe Vardon.
Kings ‘Have Identified’ Cavs’ Darius Garland As ‘Trade Target’
Now a two-time All-Star, Garland’s loss —even if brief —will definitely be felt by the Cavs. As a starter, he’s 202-176, averaging 19.0 points and 6.7 assists per game in those contests. A relatively traditional point guard, the former fifth overall pick is an excellent ball-handler, jump shooter and facilitator. Without him, Cleveland’s offense doesn’t quite sputter, at least so long as they have players like Donovan Mitchell or even Ty Jerome available. Nevertheless, he undoubtedly raises their ceiling at that end.
Because of his ability to be an event creator, playing somewhat like a defensive back in American football, he’s also an impactful team defender as well.
Yet, the Cavs are still willing to take calls about Garland’s availability. This could be because his on-ball defense is so concerning that even Miami Heat wing Tyler Herro pinpointed it as Cleveland’s weak link in the 2025 NBA Playoffs. It may be related to his injury history, as Garland’s played fewer than 60 games in half of his pro seasons.
However, with Garland’s second consecutive substandard playoff run, they could also have concerns about his ability to get them to the promised land.
Over the past two postseasons, Garland is shooting 42.5 percent from the field and 33.0 percent from 3. In fact, in the 2025 NBA Playoffs, Garland shot a playoff career-low 28.6 percent from 3. In the 2024 NBA Playoffs, he averaged a playoff career-low 15.7 points per game. Both years, the Cavs were eliminated in the second round, losing that semifinal series 1-4.
All of that being said, the Kings still need a point guard. Right now, they have a few players who can eat on offense but nobody to set the table. While Garland’s game has warts, he’s more than capable of that. The question for Sacramento is what would they be willing to give up for him.
Hypothetical Trade Parameters
Hypothetically, the combination of Malik Monk, Keegan Murray and Isaac Jones works from a financial standpoint.
Notably, the Kings have been resistant to trading Murray, who’s not only young but their best defender. However, with Murray having two underwhelming seasons in a row, Sacramento should be more willing to move him. The Kings having a new front office leader, Scott Perry, only lends credence to that notion.
Keeping The Wheel Turning
Monk —who averaged 17.2 points and 5.6 assists per game in 2024-25 —arrives in Cleveland as a replacement for Jerome, a stud sixth man who’ll be a free agent this offseason. With that in mind, there wouldn’t have been many minutes for Monk behind Garland and Zach LaVine. The inclusion of Murray is what makes moving Garland worth it though.
At this point, it’s unclear whether Evan Mobley’s best position is power forward or center. If it’s the latter, that could generate a need for a starting-caliber power forward. To be fair, Dean Wade has shown himself to be capable of holding that role. However, he isn’t particularly aggressive offensively, holding a career average of 5.2 points per game. Conversely, Murray averages 13.3 points per game for his career.
Furthermore, Wade will be on an expiring contract in 2025-26 and could leave as an unrestricted free agent next summer. Murray will also be on the final year of his deal. However, as it’ll be his rookie contract, he’ll be a restricted free agent, giving the Cavs the ability to match any offer for him.
© Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images
The post Kings ‘Have Identified’ East All-Star As ‘Trade Target’ appeared first on Last Word On Basketball.