Following the conclusion of the Kevin Durant trade negotiations, new details have surfaced revealing that the Cleveland Cavaliers were part of the trade talks with the Phoenix Suns. The Cavaliers reportedly put forward an offer including their star point guard Darius Garland as part of the package to acquire Durant, a proposal that raised eyebrows given Garland’s value.
Why the Cavaliers Were a Strong Contender in Trade Negotiations
The Cleveland Cavaliers had an impressive 2022-2023 season, finishing as the top seed in the Eastern Conference with a 64-18 regular season record. Their balanced roster featured the league’s best offense and a top-10 defense anchored by Defensive Player of the Year Evan Mobley. With such a young and deep team, Cleveland appeared well-positioned to add a player like Durant to bolster their championship aspirations.
Darius Garland played a significant role in Cleveland’s success, averaging 20.6 points and 6.7 assists in just over 30 minutes per game. Alongside Donovan Mitchell, Garland formed a dynamic backcourt that was essential to the team’s offensive strength. Although Garland is recovering from toe surgery that could affect the start of the next season, his track record as a two-time All-Star and consistent 20-point scorer remained valuable.
Garland’s youth and proven ability arguably made him a more attractive trade asset than Jalen Green, who was central to the deal the Suns accepted from the Houston Rockets. This contrast has led many to question why the Suns did not pursue the Cavaliers’ Garland-centered offer more seriously.
Kevin Durant’s Preference Influenced Final Trade Destination
The eventual trade sent Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets, another rising team with a strong core of young players looking to integrate veteran leadership for a playoff push. Though Durant did not have official control over where he would be traded, his influence and preference for Houston reportedly swayed the transaction, effectively limiting the Suns’ options.
The Rockets’ package included a valuable 10th overall pick in the upcoming draft, a factor that may have made their offer more appealing to the Suns. Given the potential impact lottery picks can have, this draft asset represented an opportunity for the Suns to secure fresh, high-level talent as part of the deal.
Reevaluating the Suns’ Decision Amid Trade Outcomes
Despite receiving a promising draft pick, critics argue that the Suns gave up an elite player for what many perceive as a less valuable return. If the Cavs’ offer including Garland was indeed made, the lack of further engagement on that front is puzzling, particularly since Garland fills a position of need and demonstrates consistent All-Star caliber performance.
The decision to accept a deal anchored by Green over Garland may have been influenced heavily by Durant’s trade preference and the allure of the draft pick, yet the outcome leaves lingering questions about whether the Suns maximized the value they could have achieved from Durant’s trade.