The San Antonio Spurs are one of the most intriguing teams heading into the 2024 offseason. According to NBA insider Sam Amico, they have some big ambitions this summer headlined by the potential acquisition of Cavaliers point guard Darius Garland.
“The San Antonio Spurs are ‘very interested’ in trading for Cleveland Cavaliers guard Darius Garland,” an NBA source told Hoops Wire. “The Spurs want to acquire a dynamic point guard and pair him next to Victor Wembanyama.”
The Spurs have been heavily linked to Hawks guards Dejounte Murray and Trae Young and the belief is that either of them could be a solid secondary option. For now, however, the Spurs’ front office is set on Garland after conducting thorough research on the 24-year-old point guard as a potential trade candidate.
Darius, who was drafted 5th overall in 2019, has emerged as one of the best young guards in the league. Through 57 games in the 2023-24 season, he averaged 18.0 points, 6.5 assists, and 2.7 rebounds per game on 44.6% shooting. Unfortunately for the Cavs, Garland has been an awkward fit with 4x All-Star Donovan Mitchell in the backcourt and it’s created doubt among the community that they will still be together by the start of next season.
Multiple teams are said to be in pursuit of Garland this summer and the Spurs will have to make a big sacrifice if they want to out-bid their competitors by giving up at least two of Jeremy Sochan, Zach Collins, and Keldon Johnson along with multiple draft picks. But with Victor Wembanyama on the roster and ready to win now, I think the Spurs are feeling the pressure to build a team worthy of his talents.
As a true playmaker who can provide a steady hand for the Spurs, Garland’s arrival could open up a new world for Victor on offense and it could empower an even greater performance than we saw last season when he unanimously won Rookie of the Year.
Donovan Mitchell’s Extension Will Set Everything In Motion
The Cavaliers were at their best this season with one point guard, one big man, and three wing players on the court. During their most impressive stretch all season, that’s the way that the Cavaliers were running it and that fact is not lost on Cavs GM Mike Gansey.
By all accounts, the franchise is expected to choose between Mitchell and Garland this summer which means that Mitchell’s looming extension could determine which of the guards is available in trade talks.
“Should Mitchell decide to stay long term, sources briefed on the matter say Garland’s representation, Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul, would have a conversation with Cavs officials on potentially finding a new home for the one-time All-Star,” wrote NBA insiders Shams Charania, Joe Vardon and Jason Lloyd of The Athletic.
If Mitchell, who has a $37 million player option for the 2025-26 season, does stick around, the Spurs will be one of the most aggressive teams in pursuit of Darius and they’ve made it known that they are more than interested. After finishing second-to-last in the standings this past season, the Spurs are ready for a serious upgrade in talent, and bringing in a budding star like Darius Garland would certainly be a great start.
To catch up to the real contenders, it’s going to take some more time and roster changes but the Spurs are content with a slow and gradual rise to power. At just 20 years old, the French superstar still has plenty of time to refine his game as the Spurs work toward building up his supporting cast.
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