Darius Garland addressed recent speculation about his future with the Cleveland Cavaliers, dismissing reports of a desire to be traded.
“I don’t want to be traded,” Garland stated to Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com during the Summer League on Sunday. “Those are just rumors.”
Following the Cavaliers’ second-round elimination by the Boston Celtics in May, reports surfaced suggesting Garland’s agent, Rich Paul of Klutch Sports, would explore trade options if Donovan Mitchell signed a long-term extension. Mitchell inked a three-year, $153 million deal in July, prompting discussions about Garland’s future.
Expressing support for Mitchell’s contract, Garland remarked, “It’s always good to see one of our guys get the money they deserve and know he’s going to be back with us for a while. I was excited for him.”
Despite injuries that included lower-body, thumb, and jaw issues, Garland averaged 18 points and 6.5 assists across 57 games last season. The Cavaliers, finishing fourth in the Eastern Conference with a 48-34 record, retained their roster while appointing Kenny Atkinson as the new head coach, replacing J.B. Bickerstaff.
