The 2025 NBA season has made clear that very few players remain untouchable in league trades. Notable stars such as Luka Dončić, Anthony Davis, Jimmy Butler, Kevin Durant, De’Aaron Fox, and Desmond Bane have all appeared in trade discussions, reflecting a highly active market. Amid this dynamic landscape, speculation grows about whether Ja Morant or Darius Garland might become trade considerations. The Cleveland Cavaliers, following a second consecutive exit in the conference semifinals, could view Garland as a moveable piece.
The following outlines potential NBA trade destinations for Darius Garland, focusing on teams equipped and motivated to pursue him should the Cavaliers decide to explore offers.
Darius Garland’s Performance and Role With Cleveland Cavaliers
After an injury-plagued and underwhelming 2023-24 campaign, Garland rebounded impressively by reclaiming All-Star status and playing a pivotal role in Cleveland’s 64-win season. He led his team averaging 6.7 assists against only 2.5 turnovers, while contributing 20.6 points per game, along with 2.8 made three-pointers and 1.2 steals. Statistically, Garland joined Kyrie Irving as the only players posting 20-plus points while shooting at least 47% from the field, 40% from three-point range, and 87% from the free-throw line, underscoring his efficiency and scoring prowess.
Although Garland has proven himself a certified star at just 25 years old, his fit alongside Donovan Mitchell in Cleveland raises questions. Both guards share similar traits—undersized stature, heavy ball-handling responsibilities, and defensive inconsistency—that could limit their compatibility. If the Cavaliers determine these factors warrant a change, Garland could become a sought-after asset for teams aiming to bolster their backcourt.
New Orleans Pelicans Could Seek Veteran Point Guard Stability
The New Orleans Pelicans appear ripe for significant roster adjustments, hinting that acquiring a seasoned point guard might be their priority. Dejounte Murray’s tenure in New Orleans failed to meet expectations, creating an opening for a player like Garland. The Pelicans also possess wing defenders with length and agility, attributes the Cavaliers value and would likely seek as part of any trade package.
Pairing Garland with Zion Williamson, assuming Zion returns to health, could create one of the league’s most potent offensive duos. Garland’s ability to orchestrate pick-and-roll plays combined with Williamson’s finishing and playmaking would provide New Orleans a dynamic and complementary tandem capable of igniting their offense immediately.
Minnesota Timberwolves’ Desire for a Versatile Lead Guard
The Timberwolves’ interest in Kevin Durant signals a strong appetite for an offensive co-star to relieve pressure from Anthony Edwards. Minnesota’s backcourt situation increasingly suggests the need for a capable lead guard as veteran Mike Conley approaches the twilight of his career and young Rob Dillingham remains unproven at the NBA level.
Garland offers an ideal solution, given his ability to excel both with and without the ball in his hands. This versatility allows him to complement Edwards’ style by generating scoring opportunities without overlapping, while also providing sufficient distribution to create for teammates. Minnesota could find Garland’s skill set instrumental in advancing their offensive schemes.
Miami Heat’s Quest to Overcome Offensive Limitations
The Miami Heat have repeatedly pursued star talent but have fallen short in recent free agent and trade pursuits, leaving offensive deficiencies largely unaddressed. Garland’s acquisition could provide the offensive spark needed to elevate Miami from the lower tier of the league’s standings into serious contention.
However, Miami would face challenges melding Garland with Tyler Herro, as the duo might struggle defensively in the backcourt. The tradeoff between offensive improvement and defensive sacrifice will be a critical consideration. Still, obtaining Garland could fulfill Miami’s need for a high-level playmaker poised to make an immediate impact in the competitive Eastern Conference.
Ja Morant’s Trade Outlook Amidst Memphis Grizzlies’ Moves
The Memphis Grizzlies’ previous trade involving Desmond Bane seemed to signal a commitment to retaining Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. Yet, questions linger about the team’s openness to additional trades, especially if compelling offers arise. Morant may not be officially untouchable; his frequent availability setbacks resulting from injuries—limiting him to 120 games over the past three seasons—complicate the team’s considerations.
Even with occasional performance dips, Morant remains an elite talent, ranking among a select group of players averaging at least 23 points and seven assists per game last season. His potential presence on the trade market would undoubtedly attract widespread attention.
Potential Destinations for Ja Morant Include Sacramento Kings
The Sacramento Kings, having lost Tyrese Haliburton and De’Aaron Fox from their backcourt in recent seasons, continue searching for a floor general. Morant’s dynamic playmaking and scoring ability could address that void decisively. Despite spacing concerns fitting around a roster featuring Morant and Domantas Sabonis, the Kings might find his explosiveness an upgrade worth pursuing.
Miami Heat Also Eyeing Morant As a Possible Star Addition
The Heat’s interest in star players extends beyond Garland, with Morant reportedly linked as well. Adding Morant could provide Miami with the offensive pressure and downhill attacking ability they’ve been missing. Combining Morant’s penetration with Tyler Herro’s shooting threat may offer a strategic advantage despite potential difficulties spacing the floor and defensive fit. Their coach, Erik Spoelstra, would undoubtedly have a challenge to optimize such a backcourt.
Bam Adebayo’s defensive presence could further aid in mitigating any defensive vulnerabilities created by this pairing.
Brooklyn Nets’ Flexibility to Build Around Morant
The Brooklyn Nets may not currently appear positioned for immediate contention, but their financial flexibility and asset cache allow for bold moves. Acquiring Morant would offer an opportunity to reconstruct their roster around an explosive, young star in a major market. Morant’s long-term contract provides time to shape the roster for his playing style, emphasizing the need for floor spacing, defensive support, and athleticism to complement his speed and attacking game.
This approach contrasts with the Nets’ alternative path of renting cap space for draft picks or developing less proven prospects. While Brooklyn has recently drafted young point guard prospects such as Egor Denim and Nolan Traore, neither matches Morant’s ceiling when healthy.
Implications of Trades Involving Garland and Morant for the NBA Landscape
Should the Cavaliers opt to trade Garland or if the Grizzlies revisit Morant’s status, both players represent some of the most valuable and intriguing assets available. Teams like the Pelicans, Timberwolves, Heat, Kings, and Nets each present unique situations and needs that align with the skill sets of these guards.
Moves involving Garland or Morant could significantly reshape competitive balances, especially in the Eastern Conference, which remains wide open after recent seasons. The 2025 NBA draft marks a potential turning point, but front offices appear ready to leverage these star players to accelerate their timelines.
Ultimately, the upcoming offseason could prove pivotal in determining whether the Cavaliers or Grizzlies remain anchored by these stars or pivot toward retooling, influencing the league’s landscape for years to come.