The Cleveland Cavaliers have built one of the most talented young cores in the NBA, yet postseason success continues to elude them. Despite finishing with the best record in the Eastern Conference last season, Cleveland once again fell short in the second round.
The backcourt pairing of Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland has been dynamic offensively, but their lack of size and defensive balance has become a recurring concern. With Mitchell emerging as the clear franchise cornerstone, the Cavaliers may have to consider reshaping their lineup around him, even if that means moving on from Garland.
One intriguing trade scenario we propose involves Cleveland sending Garland, Max Strus, and a future first-round pick to the Utah Jazz in exchange for Lauri Markkanen, who blossomed into an All-Star after leaving Cleveland. If he were to return to Cleveland, he would bring elite shooting, size, and versatility to a team built around Mitchell, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen.
Proposed Trade Details
Cleveland Cavaliers Receive: Lauri Markkanen
Utah Jazz Receive: Darius Garland, Max Strus, 2031 first-round pick (CLE)
For the Jazz, Garland could become the new face of their rebuild as a young, proven playmaker who fits perfectly with Utah’s developmental timeline. It’s a blockbuster deal that would shake up both conferences, potentially unlocking Cleveland’s long-awaited Finals potential while giving Utah a new offensive leader to build around. Let’s dive into it.
Cavaliers Take On New Identity With Size Around Donovan Mitchell
The Cleveland Cavaliers would completely transform their identity with this trade, moving from a guard-heavy roster to a size-dominant lineup. By adding Lauri Markkanen (19.0 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 0.7 APG) to a frontcourt already featuring Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen, Cleveland would boast one of the most intimidating trios in the NBA.
Each player brings elite length, rim protection, and rebounding, while Markkanen’s ability to stretch the floor adds perfect spacing. This new core gives the Cavaliers a chance to control the paint, something that’s been missing in their recent playoff exits.
With Darius Garland gone, Donovan Mitchell could either assume full-time point guard duties or share the backcourt with Lonzo Ball, depending on how Cleveland wants to distribute playmaking responsibilities. Ball would complement Mitchell’s scoring prowess perfectly.
Meanwhile, Mitchell would finally be unleashed as the team’s lone small guard, no longer forced to share touches or defensive assignments with another undersized backcourt partner. This change could elevate Mitchell’s game to MVP-caliber levels as well.
Cleveland’s new identity would revolve around defense, physicality, and efficient shot creation. With Markkanen spacing the floor, Mobley’s evolving offensive game, and Allen’s interior dominance, Mitchell would have an ideal supporting cast built for deep playoff runs.
Jazz Continue Their Rebuild With Clever Trade
For the Utah Jazz, trading Lauri Markkanen would be a tough decision, but the return package offers significant long-term upside. Darius Garland (20.6 PPG, 6.7 RPG), still just entering his prime, provides Utah with a proven playmaker and efficient scorer who can instantly take over as the centerpiece of their rebuild.
His combination of shooting, vision, and ball-handling gives the Jazz an offensive foundation around which they can develop their younger talent. Garland’s presence also ensures Utah remains competitive while still aligning with their rebuilding timeline.
Adding Max Strus (9.4 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 38.6% 3-PT FG) gives Utah a veteran shooter who fits seamlessly into their offensive system. Strus’s ability to stretch the floor with high-volume three-point shooting will open lanes for Garland and other young scorers like Keyonte George and Ace Bailey.
From a long-term perspective, this deal aligns perfectly with Danny Ainge’s patient team-building. Utah has been collecting young assets and picks, and adding Garland accelerates that plan without losing future flexibility.
The Jazz would gain a young star to market to fans while retaining the ability to continue shaping their roster. Losing an All-Star isn’t easy but the Jazz wouldn’t be in a bad position if they moved him.
An Interesting Trade Scenario That The Cavs Might Have To Entertain
The Cavaliers may not be eager to move a homegrown talent like Darius Garland, but after back-to-back second-round exits, difficult decisions could be on the horizon. Despite owning one of the most talented starting fives in the conference, Cleveland’s guard-heavy roster has proven vulnerable in playoff matchups against bigger and more physical teams.
If the front office wants to capitalize on Donovan Mitchell’s prime and make a legitimate Finals push, bringing in a star forward like Lauri Markkanen might be the necessary bold move.
Markkanen’s addition would eliminate Cleveland’s one clear weakness, which is a lack of size and spacing from the wing. His presence alongside Mobley and Allen would give the Cavaliers elite rim protection and rebounding, while offensively, his shooting would open the floor for Mitchell’s drives.
The fit is near-perfect on paper, and the trade could elevate Cleveland into the tier of true contenders like the New York Knicks. Ultimately, the Cavaliers have built a strong, cohesive team, but sometimes, good isn’t enough.
To reach the next level, they may need to take a calculated risk, and this trade represents exactly that. Trading Garland would sting, but if it means surrounding Mitchell with the perfect combination of talent and balance, it could define the next era of Cavaliers basketball.
