Report: Some think Darius Garland would eventually like his ‘own team’ again

The Cleveland Cavaliers have gotten off to a slow start this season, winning just 15 of their first 29 games. They currently sit in the No. 7 spot in the Eastern Conference and have clearly taken a step back after finishing first in the East a season ago.

According to Grant Afseth of Dallas Hoops Journal, there’s a perception that Cavs star Darius Garland would like to run his own team again at some point, despite playing next to fellow star Donovan Mitchell for the last several seasons.

“In terms of roster movement, Garland is viewed as an attractive trade candidate around the NBA with fewer risk than some of the other high-profile guards that teams are monitoring, including Ja Morant, LaMelo Ball, and Trae Young,” Afseth wrote. “Additionally, the intel from some NBA teams is a perception that Garland would like to run his own team again at some point, as opposed to being in a more complementary role next to Mitchell.”

The 2025-26 season has been a rough one for Garland, as he’s dealt with a toe injury and has only appeared in 13 games for Cleveland. When the All-Star guard has been on the floor, he has not been an efficient scorer, shooting just 37.9 percent from the field and 32.2 percent from 3.

Overall, Garland is averaging 16.9 points, 3.0 rebounds and 6.5 assists per game this season. However, according to a source from Afseth, Garland is the safest option for a team that is looking for a point guard upgrade via trade.

“Darius is the safest option on the trade market for a team seeking a point guard upgrade,” the source told Afseth. “There are teams who think he can handle more being put on his plate.”

The Sacramento Kings are a team that apparently is keeping an eye on Garland after they traded away star guard De’Aaron Fox to the San Antonio Spurs last season. The Kings are one of the worst teams in the West, but they could give Garland a chance to run his own team – if that’s what he desires.

In addition to that, the Minnesota Timberwolves, who could use an upgrade at point guard, are another team that may be interested in the Cavs star.

“The Sacramento Kings have kept an eye on Garland’s situation as they remain motivated to find a long-term answer at point guard following De’Aaron Fox‘s departure, sources tell DallasHoopsJournal.com,” Afseth wrote. “The Minnesota Timberwolves are another known team motivated for point guard help to take pressure off of Anthony Edwards. However, it’d be challenging for either team to find a viable path to add Garland.”

The Cavs may not want to break up their core just yet, especially since they won 64 games in the 2024-25 regular season. However, if the team falls short of title expectations, or believes it won’t get there this season, it could end up deciding to shake up the roster.

Hopefully for the Cavs, Garland starts playing at an All-Star level again to either propel the team up the standings in the East or improve his trade value ahead of the deadline.