Darius Garland played a pivotal role for the Cleveland Cavaliers during their 2024-2025 season, which saw the team clinch the Eastern Conference with an impressive 64-18 record. Despite this regular season success, their playoff journey ended in the second round, a 4-1 series loss to the Indiana Pacers.
With the Cavaliers exiting the postseason early for the third consecutive year, speculation has intensified around a potential trade involving the 25-year-old guard.
Breaking Down Darius Garland’s Contract with the Cavaliers
In 2022, Garland signed a five-year, $197,230,450 maximum designated rookie contract extension with Cleveland. This followed his initial four-year, $29,083,314 rookie contract, which he signed in 2019.
The extension is fully guaranteed and includes a 15% trade kicker, which would activate if he is ever dealt. If Garland achieves All-NBA selections, the total value of the contract could increase to $231,000,000. While he has yet to earn an All-NBA nod, he was notably selected as an NBA All-Star in both 2022 and 2025.
Garland’s salary progression under his current contract includes $34,005,250 for the 2023-24 season, $36,725,670 for the 2024-2025 season, and a projected $39,446,090 for 2025-26 if he remains with the Cavaliers. His salaries for the 2026-27 and 2027-28 seasons are set at $42,166,510 and $44,886,930, respectively, with no player or team options. These figures represent a significant long-term commitment from the Cavaliers.
Multiple sources estimate Garland’s net worth to be between $30,000,000 and $35,000,000. Having earned approximately $63,088,564 in NBA salaries through the 2023-24 season, Garland also diversifies his income through endorsement deals. After an initial partnership with Nike, he signed a multi-year contract with New Balance. Industry estimates for All-Star endorsement deals typically range from $500,000 to $2,000,000 yearly, suggesting his New Balance deal falls within this range.
A Season of Resilience and Rumors
Garland appeared in 75 games during the 2024-2025 season, showcasing his scoring and playmaking abilities with averages of 20.6 points, 6.7 assists, 2.9 rebounds, and 1.2 steals. His shooting efficiency was solid, posting splits of 47.2% from the field, 40.1% from three-point range, and 87.8% from the free-throw line. This productive season followed an injury-plagued campaign the year prior.
In clutch situations during the 2024-25 season, Garland averaged 3.4 points and achieved a league-leading plus-92 net rating, contributing significantly to the Cavaliers’ strong regular-season finish. However, his playoff performance was impacted by a sprained toe, which required surgery. In the five playoff games he played, Garland averaged 18 points, 5.2 assists, and 2.2 rebounds, with less efficient shooting compared to his regular season.
Although the Cavaliers swept the Miami Heat in the first round of the playoffs, their run concluded in the second round with a five-game series loss to the Indiana Pacers. Garland missed four playoff games in total due to his toe injury, returning to play in the final three games of the Pacers series.
Navigating the Offseason Landscape
The Cavaliers’ repeated early postseason exits have led to increased calls for roster adjustments, prompting speculation about potential “big name” additions. Further complicating the team’s salary cap situation, the Cavaliers are currently projected to be above the second apron of the luxury tax threshold. This financial constraint makes players on large contracts, such as Garland and Jarrett Allen, potential trade candidates as the front office seeks to optimize the roster and manage cap implications.
Recent reports indicate that the Phoenix Suns and Orlando Magic have inquired about acquiring Garland. While the Cavaliers have reportedly rejected these trade ideas, they have set high demands, suggesting a reluctance to move him unless an enticing offer materializes. The recent trade that brought Lonzo Ball to the Cavaliers has also created additional depth at point guard, inevitably putting Garland’s long-term position with the team in further question.
Moreover, a notable dynamic exists between Garland and Donovan Mitchell, the team’s superstar. Despite their close relationship off the court, their on-court roles can sometimes overlap. This overlap has led to a widely held belief that the Cavaliers’ front office may prioritize acquiring a player who complements Mitchell’s game more distinctly, rather than duplicating his skill set.
