The Cleveland Cavaliers are gearing up for the upcoming 2024-25 season with some significant changes on the horizon. With a new head coach in Kenny Atkinson taking over for J.B. Bickerstaff, who has moved on to coach the division rival Detroit Pistons, the Cavs are set to embark on a new era.
One of the most talked-about storylines heading into the season revolves around the team’s 2024 No. 20 pick, Jaylon Tyson, who is being viewed as a potential replacement for 2020 No. 5 pick, Isaac Okoro. However, the Cavaliers are also looking to make a splash in the trade market by pursuing Brooklyn Nets forwards Cam Johnson and Dorian Finney-Smith to bolster their roster with more experienced players. This move could potentially involve Okoro in a sign-and-trade transaction.
Meanwhile, young stars like Evan Mobley, who is on the cusp of signing a massive $224 million max rookie contract extension, and Jarrett Allen, who has received an endorsement from team leader Donovan Mitchell, are expected to play key roles for the Cavaliers this season. Mitchell, who recently inked a three-year contract extension, has shown his support for Allen and the rest of the team.
In the midst of all this chatter, Darius Garland has made it clear that he is not interested in being traded. Addressing the persistent trade rumors, Garland told cleveland.com’s Chris Fedor, “I don’t want to be traded. Those are just rumors.” His comments have surely brought a sense of relief to Cavs’ General Manager Koby Altman, who has repeatedly expressed his confidence in Garland and his backcourt partner, Mitchell.
The speculation about Garland’s future with the team began to swirl when reports emerged suggesting that he could request a trade if Mitchell signed a contract extension. However, Altman quickly squashed any notion of breaking up the dynamic duo, reaffirming his commitment to keeping them together. With Garland’s own agent remaining silent on the matter, it seems that the young guard is firmly committed to staying in Cleveland.
As the Cavaliers prepare for the upcoming season, all eyes will be on Garland and his performance on the court. With a new coach at the helm and a revamped roster, the team is looking to make a statement in the Eastern Conference. Only time will tell how the season will unfold, but one thing is for sure: Darius Garland is here to stay.
