The Cleveland Cavaliers reportedly proposed trading Darius Garland in an attempt to acquire Kevin Durant, as revealed by Yahoo Sports’ Kevin O’Connor on The Kevin O’Connor Show Monday. This surprising move underlines the Cavaliers’ strong determination to secure a championship by pursuing a player of Durant’s caliber.

Garland, a key figure for Cleveland over the past six seasons and a two-time NBA All-Star, is highly valued by the team and fans alike. The Cavaliers’ willingness to include him in trade discussions highlights their urgency to strengthen the roster immediately, even at the cost of a beloved longtime player. Although Durant has since been traded to the Houston Rockets, Cleveland appears poised for aggressive moves this offseason, potentially including other stars like Milwaukee Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo, who remains off-limits to trade inquiries for now, according to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst.

Garland’s recent injuries have played a significant role in Cleveland’s openness to trade talks. He suffered a fractured jaw in 2023 and battled a big toe injury that kept him out for nearly half of the Cavaliers’ 10 playoff games. These physical setbacks affected his performance during the crucial postseason. Garland underwent surgery earlier this month, with Cleveland.com’s Chris Fedor reporting an expected recovery period of four to five months, which may extend into the next season.

Impact of Garland’s Latest Surgery on Future Playing Timeline

The surgery could delay Garland’s return to full fitness well into the 2026 season, raising concerns about the Cavaliers’ ability to rely on him as a cornerstone in the near future. This medical uncertainty appears to be a key factor in Cleveland’s decision to consider trading Garland, as they seek to maximize their championship window while the core group is intact.

Adding to the urgency is the looming player option of another core member, Mitchell, after the next season. The Cavaliers face pressure to demonstrate immediate competitiveness with their current players, which explains their readiness to pursue high-profile trades. The willingness to part with Garland signifies how deeply Cleveland is invested in accelerating their title ambitions.

While the Durant trade attempt did not come to fruition, the Cavaliers’ strategy signals that they are unafraid to make bold decisions, signaling potential future blockbuster moves as the offseason progresses and opportunities arise.