The Suns contacted the Cavaliers about Darius Garland while trying to put together a Kevin Durant trade, NBA insider Brian Windhorst reported in a discussion with Chris Oldach of ESPN Cleveland (YouTube link).
Windhorst emphasizes that Phoenix initiated the trade talks, stating that Cleveland isn’t reaching out to teams in an effort to unload Garland. He adds that the Cavs’ response was to ask for Durant and “other assets” in a potential deal, which likely would have been “multiple first-round picks.” Presumably that would have included a 2029 first-rounder that originally belonged to Cleveland (though the Jazz now control swap rights on that first-rounder, so there’s no guarantee the Suns will end up with the Cavs’ pick).
Windhorst states that Phoenix “didn’t hang up the phone” when presented with that scenario. He also notes that the Cavaliers would have needed to offload salary before taking on Durant, stating that they contacted at least one team to see if there was interest.
Ultimately, the talks ended before getting serious because Durant didn’t want to play in Cleveland, according to Windhorst, who points out that the forward had a limited number of desired destinations, reportedly Houston, San Antonio and Miami.
Windhorst indicates that several teams in need of point guard help have made inquiries about Garland, who will make $39.5MM next season and is under contract through 2027/28. He also states that Garland “might have been on the verge of asking for a trade” last summer, but he’s now happy in Cleveland after putting together an All-Star season.
Windhorst expects the Cavs to make “an aggressive offer” to keep free agent guard Ty Jerome, which means Isaac Okoro or Dean Wade may have to be moved to clear up salary. He adds that the team won’t trade any of its stars to save money, but it will face difficult decisions while operating in second-apron territory.
Garland, Allen, Beal and Booker….why??
Beal will not be on the team to start the season and very likely Allen won’t either.
Who is taking Beal? I think he and his no trade clause is with the Suns for at least this season unless a team that is not competing this year and likely next year takes him.
It’s already been reported they are willingly to do a record breaking buyout or stretch and waive him.
I guess Durant cares more about his tax obligations than competing for a title. KD Spida and Mobley probably coast to the top seed in the east with all the torn Achilles in the conference.
Umm, Rockets are fav to win west.
🤣🤣🤣🤣
According to whom? DraftKings has OKC odds at +150 and Houston +450 for the west. ESPN bet has it +130 OKC and +525 Houston.
Umm,why?
Sounds like a non story…. Since neither team can aggregate…. Can someone math the difference between 54.7M and 39.4M?
Bucks can take Beal …… if you add Dunn …. I do it
Bucks move Giannis tonight to Spurs.
They can add Beal and Dunn to team with Dame trade ….. Beal can play with Harper in the backcourt. Next yr Beal is an expiring contract…..
Harper, Vassell, Sochan, Barnes, Sorber ….. plus a future pick #1 ………. Bucks will be better than Suns.