A rival NBA executive recently floated the idea of the Cleveland Cavaliers making a blockbuster trade involving one of their core players to give themselves the best chance of competing for their second Larry O’Brien trophy in franchise history.
The anonymous team member urged the Cleveland Cavaliers to consider fielding trade offers for Darius Garland for his odd fit with Donovan Mitchell in the backcourt. He also suggested the Sacramento Kings as a potential trade partner.
“I think they need to trade Darius,” the executive told Ashish Mathur of Roundtable. “That backcourt is too small with him and Donovan (Mitchell). I love the Lonzo (Ball) trade. If I were Kenny (Atkinson), I would start Lonzo, Donovan, De’Andre (Hunter), Evan (Mobley), and Jarrett (Allen), and trade Darius.”
“Sacramento was interested in him before getting Dennis (Schroder) from Detroit. Maybe call them up and see if they want Darius for like Malik (Monk) and salary filler,” he added.
Cleveland Cavaliers News: Kenny Atkinson provides injury update to key contributor
Cleveland Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson provided clarity on Sam Merrill’s injury status during the postgame presser following their 118-117 preseason defeat against the Chicago Bulls yesterday. With Merrill sidelined alongside Max Strus and Darius Garland, Jaylon Tyson was inserted into the starting lineup.
“Yeah, he’s got a little soreness in his abductor, but he wanted to play. I just said no, it’s not worth it. We’ll see. Like, I’m just gonna be super, super cautious with him in the preseason.” Atkinson stated about Merrill via ClutchPoints’ Spencer Davies.
Merrill is entering the first year of his four-year, $38 million contract extension he signed in June. The good news for Cleveland Cavaliers supporters is that his adductor injury is not expected to be serious.
