Amid the LA Lakers’ inactive offseason, they continue to be involved in trade speculation. One player gaining traction as a “realistic trade target” for the franchise is Cleveland Cavaliers star point guard Darius Garland.
With the 2024-25 season fast approaching, LA has yet to add any proven players this summer. Its most notable additions have been rookies Dalton Knecht and Bronny James. It also signed ex-Toronto Raptors reserve big man Christian Koloko to a two-way contract Monday.
Despite their quiet offseason, the Lakers have no regular roster spots remaining to sign free agents. Thus, they have been heavily mentioned in trade rumors involving high-profile players that could help them improve upon this year’s first-round playoff exit.
According to Bleacher Report NBA insider Eric Pincus, Garland is the organization’s most viable star-caliber trade target. In a Thursday article, Pincus noted that LA would likely be willing to offer a sizeable package for the one-time All-Star.
“If Darius Garland became available out of Cleveland, the Lakers would probably offer both of their firsts to the Cavaliers for the young guard,” Pincus wrote.
In an article two days prior, Pincus also said that “the Lakers would view [Garland] as their cornerstone point guard.”
Garland’s production took a slight dip playing alongside his backcourt co-star Donovan Mitchell last season. However, he received his first All-Star selection just two years ago. He is also only 24 and has four years remaining on his five-year, $197.2 million rookie maximum contract extension.
Moreover, Garland denied seeking a trade during a July interview with Cleveland.com.
“Those are just rumors. I don’t want to be traded,” Garland said.
So, the Cavaliers seemingly don’t have an incentive to trade him unless they receive an irresistible offer.
Over 57 games last season, Garland averaged 18.0 points, 2.7 rebounds, 6.5 assists, 1.3 steals and 2.3 3-pointers per game, shooting 44.6% and 37.1% from 3.
What would Lakers have to trade for Darius Garland?
Acquiring Darius Garland would likely involve LA parting with its highly coveted 2029 and 2031 first-round draft picks. However, multiple players would have to be included for salary-matching purposes.
In May, ESPN NBA front office insider Bobby Marks suggested a deal “centered around” shooting guard Austin Reaves and forward Rui Hachimura.
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Conversely, Eric Pincus wrote that a trade involving Hachimura and point guards D’Angelo Russell and Jalen Hood-Schifino is “probably the cleanest path.”
However, the Lakers would likely have to be fairly certain that a trade for Garland would be enough to get them over the hump in the crowded Western Conference. If not, the franchise would probably be hesitant to mortgage its future for him.
