Big changes may be brewing in Cleveland, and if the reports are to be believed, the Cavaliers could be poised to make a franchise-defining move.
According to Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com, there’s reportedly a preliminary framework of a deal between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Orlando Magic involving former All-Star guard Darius Garland and rising two-way talent Jalen Suggs. While no deal is imminent, the rumor alone signals the Cavs may be taking a hard look at their roster construction — and potentially preparing to commit fully to building around Donovan Mitchell.
The Potential Deal: What It Means
In the proposed framework, Garland — Cleveland’s 2019 lottery pick and the team’s offensive engine during their post-LeBron rebuild — would be shipped to Orlando in exchange for Jalen Suggs, a gritty, defensive-minded combo guard who’s become a vital part of the Magic’s young core.
This isn’t just a move for talent. It’s a philosophical pivot.
Reading Between the Lines: Mitchell Is The Guy
If this deal goes through, it would serve as a clear sign that the Cavaliers are choosing to build around Donovan Mitchell, not Garland. The two guards have coexisted in the backcourt for two seasons, but questions have persisted about their fit — both being ball-dominant, undersized, and not elite defensively together.
Trading Garland for Suggs would provide the Cavs with a guard who doesn’t need to dominate the ball to be impactful, and who brings elite defensive energy — exactly the kind of partner Mitchell could thrive with. Suggs’ ability to defend multiple positions, disrupt passing lanes, and play within a team structure complements Mitchell’s shot creation and scoring punch.
Why This Would Hurt
Cleveland fans would understandably have mixed emotions. Garland has been nothing short of exceptional since his breakout 2021-22 campaign, when he averaged over 21 points and 8 assists per game. He’s a homegrown talent, a leader, and a fan favorite.
Losing Garland would sting — both emotionally and on the floor. He’s still just 24, with room to grow, and he’s under contract through 2028. Letting him go is not a decision to be made lightly.
But…
A New Identity: Defense, Grit, and Balance
With Mitchell likely to command a supermax extension in the near future, Cleveland’s front office needs to decide on a direction. The current roster has been strong on paper but hasn’t translated to deep playoff runs.
Jalen Suggs represents a culture shift. While he may not have Garland’s offensive polish, his defense, hustle, and toughness align with what playoff teams increasingly need. Think Jrue Holiday’s role in Milwaukee’s title run — less flash, more substance.
This could also balance out Cleveland’s defensive scheme, allowing Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen to control the paint while Suggs locks down perimeter threats. A Mitchell-Suggs backcourt would be far more switchable and physical than Mitchell-Garland.
Final Thought: Is This the Right Move?
The trade is far from a done deal, but the Cavaliers clearly seem to be evaluating the long-term fit of their stars. Garland is a phenomenal player. But in a league where roster construction and balance can determine postseason success, sometimes difficult choices need to be made.
So, Cavs fans — would you pull the trigger?
Are you ready to see a new era built around Mitchell, Mobley, and a more defensively-minded supporting cast?
Or is giving up on Garland too steep a price?
The front office may have already answered that question.