Cavs Rumor: Insider believes Darius Garland won’t get new deal

Sam Amico is about as respected as they come in the world of NBA journalism. He’s very good at what he does, and he’s proven to be a reliable source on all things NBA and specifically Cavs. The story develops after Saturday’s Gonzaga win, where Jalen Suggs nailed a last-second, hail-mary shot to break a tie and beat the UCLA Bruins in overtime. Aaron Goldhammer, rightfully, pointed out that Darius Garland and Collin Sexton shouldn’t detour the Cavs from drafting Suggs.

He’s right.

Amico agrees, stating that he has a hunch Garland won’t get a second contract from Cleveland after his current rookie deal expires. Now, Amico has enough contacts in the Cavs organization to make a comment like that and have it hold water. It’s wise to remember, however, that things could change overnight and if/when Dan Gilbert’s son Grant takes over the team. He may love Garland or may hire a guy to be the general manager or head coach who loves Garland. That would change the situation entirely.

Yet, as the crow flies, so does the idea that Garland is on borrowed time. He and Sexton play a similar style, but Sexton is far more consistent. Neither man is a legitimate three-point shooter, and both men struggle to play defense. Size be darned, it has nothing to do with it. They’re just bad at it. Guys like Rajon Rondo and Patrick Beverly are two of the better defensive guards of their generation and are the same size or smaller.

Don’t confuse talent with desire.

Suggs is an instant upgrade, as, unlike Garland, he’s been a highly talked about prospect all year long. He’s not getting late-season hype as Garland did, nor are people wondering what his upside is. It’s big. In fact, Corey Kispert, Drew Timme, and Suggs are all lottery picks right now. Especially Timme, who’s playing like a 19-year-old Tim Duncan in the NCAA tournament.

If the Cavs have an option at getting one, two, or somehow all three, they should leap at it. Though, that idea is more a pipe dream than anything else. That said, Garland isn’t likely to be on the team long term if that’s the vibe Amico is getting. He hears things he can’t verify, and so he can’t report. It’s not that uncommon to have a guy give fans his “educated opinion” on events, without stating it as a fact.

There are some things you know, and some things you “know”.

Either way, it spells the end of Garland’s time in Cleveland eventually and frankly, with how bad he’s been the last two years, no one’s really going to miss him if he does get moved or leaves.